Trauma Burn Unit CNA

[samileed94]

I recently was asking about the difference between hospital and long term care when it comes to a CNA/(soon to be nursing student) position. Although I love my current LTC facility, I decided to continue my search for a hospital CNA position closer to home. I was recently selected for a position on a very interesting unit at one of our bigger teaching hospitals in the area; trauma burn. It was my first choice so I'm very excited! My only concern is patient care. When I interviewed, I was told along with regular ADL assistance as needed, I would also have some unit clerk responsabilites. And when I shadowed it was on daylight which is when I would assume most of the unit clerk duties would be done. I was told it was a slow day, it's only a 9 bed unit(and I got this feeling that the girl I was shadowing preffered clerk work to aide work) but I didnt see much patient care which upset me a little.

I plan on making myself very available to assist the nurses on the floor when I have time, but the question is does anyone think that will make a difference? If you had a very eager CNA working under you, would you use the extra help when appropriate?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Day shift can be deceiving on a burn unit. It may 'seem' quiet because the patients are frequently taken to procedure rooms for lengthy debridement, special wound care or other types of therapy during day shift. It gets a lot busy in the evenings & pain management is always an issue at night. It will be a very interesting unit in which to work.

I am sure that the staff will react very positively to you if you have a 'learning' attitude and remain focused on patient needs. If you're in doubt as to how to prioritize your work, just ask the nurses for feedback.

Best of luck to you on your new job.