Surgical CNA in hospital

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi everyone. I just got a job in the surgery department in a local hospital as a CNA and was wondering what to expect during a typical shift? I will be working the evening shift. I currently work in a skilled nursing facility and am very excited for this new job! Thanks

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hi everyone. i just got a job in the surgery department in a local hospital as a cna and was wondering what to expect during a typical shift? i will be working the evening shift. i currently work in a skilled nursing facility and am very excited for this new job! thanks

congrats on the new job! i don't really have any advice as i've never worked as a cna yet (just passed yesterday) but good luck to you and congrats again

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Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

If you're talking about a Surgical floor then most of your duties will consist of vital signs (alot of doctors order vitals q15, q30, q1hour post-op) assisting patients with ADLs, bathroom, feeding etc. That and also assisting nurses with dressing changes and things like that. Good luck

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Specializes in ICU. Med/Surg: Ortho, Neuro, & Cardiac.

What the above poster said pretty much covers it.

Also, get used to saying, "Room ____ wants pain medicine."

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Specializes in ICU.

I am a CNA, been a one since 6 months and I work at a hospital. I worked Telemetry including surgical, Pedi, ICU, Fast Track, Skilled Nursing Care, but not yet ER.

On the surgical wing (I work 7pm-7am, weekends only):

7pm: Get report from the previous CNA (if the nurses had one during the day), I like to walk and get report while visiting the rooms, but not all CNA's like to do that. We have between 10 and 15 pt's on that floor. It takes me about an hour for the vitals, because either there needs to be a pt cleaned and I make sure their room is clean, no trash on the floor, etc. Sometimes I think the nurses should take their first set of vitals by themselfs, a good way to get the pt to know, and another way for the CNA's to check on their pt if there is any need for changes, q2h turns, walks etc.

8-8.30pm: I should be done with the pt's vitals around this time. I start pocking the pt's for their glucose and bring them their snacks. If needed I change pt's. Sometimes I have to take speciments to the lab, I also put them in the computer, collect them, except blood, of course. Or I have to go and get blood from the blood bank, 'cause a pt is anemic. Answering call lights, answering the questions that I am possible to answer, if not I get the nurse. Tell the nurses they need their pain meds. Turn pt's, clean them up or etc.

11pm: Start vitals, make sure their room is tidy and tell'em good night.

Between 12am and 3pm it is quite, unless we are getting a new admission. Of course I'll turn the ones that have to be turned and clean them up.

4pm: Take my last vitals and after that start my bed baths. I usually have about 2 to 4 bed baths a morning, the majority are walky talkies. Don't forget your q2h turns and changes ;).

7am: Give report and go home to sleep!!!

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Specializes in ICU. Med/Surg: Ortho, Neuro, & Cardiac.

In response the above poster, most places that I know of require the nurses to obtain their first set of vital signs. It is part of their shift assessment. Check the policy, because some nurses will ask you to do them even if you aren't supposed to.

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