Published
I used to work in LTC as a CNA, and as a TMA, and LPN. Do not 'fake the vitals!' What an awful thing to say! If you get caught by state, that could be a huge deal. Tell the nurse who is telling you to get vitals that you need the equipment first. Go to the DON if need be. It very easily could be that you may need to find a new job. They may threaten to fire you, so be careful, and document what you can and are unable to do. Best of luck to you!
i'd polish up my resume and look for another job. I would not fake vitals in a ltc setting. a cheap bp cuff on amazon is like 15 bucks. you may want to invest in one to use to cover yourself for now. But in the mean time... and i can't stress this enough... Get Out!! -it's a toxic work environment. Even if the vital sign issue gets addressed - there will be something else that puts you as an employee at risk. Get out!!
gypsierose
81 Posts
This question is for LTC nurses: I took a summer CNA job at a local nursing home that is chronically understaffed and has no equipment for taking vital signs. Maybe there was once an oximeter but nobody knows where it is. The nurse gave me a list of residents to get vital signs on and no equipment to do so. When I pointed out that there was no equipment, I told "the other aides do it- make it happen". Turns out the other aides just write down numbers and don't actually take vital signs. I've worked in some real crappy SNFs before but never have I been asked to fake vital signs. As a nurse, wouldn't that worry you that your aides are blatantly lying to you? Is this common?? Some of the aides have bought their own equipment but for the pennies they are paying me I can't afford that. I'm told asking management for equipment is a losing battle.