What do CNA's do in the ER?

Lovely_RN, MSN · Apr 19, 2006

I was a CNA way back in 1998 so my memory is kind of vauge. I worked for an agency and I used to float all over the hospital. I worked everywhere from the hosptial jail (ward 29) to L&D. I recall that I had to keep things stocked and help the nurses as needed with cleaning up patients and going to get this item or that one. I would also help with transporting patients. There wasn't much to it..it was one of my more boring assignments.

99_99africa · Apr 19, 2006

If its experience you need take it, the area and location are perfect for you. Use each job as a stepping stone in your career, complete each tasks to the best of your ability and learn. Life is a journey experience it.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2006

When I worked in the ER, they drew blood, put in foley's, did EKG's, transported patients & cleaned up the rooms/beds after the patient was either discharged or transferred.

JessicRN · Apr 19, 2006

Our ER Techs do EKG's, any point of care tests (Strep tests, blood Sugars,urine pregnancy test, urine dips) they transport pt to Xray,CT to the floors for admi, they stock rooms, they change beds clean pts and clean rooms as needed they are the unit secretary on nights inputting stuff in the computer (ie labs,xrays...) some draw blood. They help with pt care assisting the nurses and doctors. They clean wounds and apply dressings and immobilizers teach crutch walking. Basically I live for our techs they are an integral part of the ED

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Apr 20, 2006

In my CNA class that I am just completeing we did not learn to draw blood or do EKG's or insert foleys. But the rest sounds like stuff the CNA might do aroubnd here.

I guess I will learn on the job too. I'm going to talk to my former teacher from last semester who works at the hospital where I want to apply and see what she has to say advice wise.

thanks all for your input! :)

katy_kenemy · Apr 20, 2006

My hospital has CNAs in the ER, also in critical care/ICU. In ER, they mostly transport, comfort and clean up pts/rooms.

Hope75 · Apr 21, 2006

I work as a CNA in the ER and we do basically everything that JessicRN mentioned:

EKG's, any point of care tests (Strep tests, blood Sugars,urine pregnancy test, urine dips) they transport pt to Xray,CT to the floors for admi, they stock rooms, they change beds clean pts and clean rooms as needed they are the unit secretary on nights inputting stuff in the computer (ie labs,xrays...) , draw blood. They help with pt care assisting the nurses and doctors. They clean wounds and apply dressings and immobilizers teach crutch walking.

We do most of the blood draws for labs, the ECGs, vital signs, collect urine/sputum/stool samples for testing, assist patients to/from the bathroom, do one to one watch with some of the psych patients, change beds, dress and clean up patients as needed, foley care, BG monitoring, guaiacs, bring them food/drinks, CPR/chest compressions, NG tube care, ostomy care, fetch supplies and dressing materials for the MDs or RNs, etc.

We don't clean rooms or escort patients to Xray or CT scan or MRI, we have other staff that does that. I think it just depends on where you work as to what your duties may be.

debg · Apr 24, 2006

I am a tech in the ED. We do all of the above. I can honestly say that I am treated like an appreciated partner. I am very lucky. I work with people that love to "teach". There is a bond with everyone from the docs to the housekeeping staff, security , nurses, medics and anyone else (RT) XRAY that shares in the chaos.

LoriAlabamaRN · Apr 24, 2006

It sounds to me like the ideal way for you to get acquainted with the unit in which you want to work as a nurse. By the time you graduate, you will already know 99% of your job! I say GO FOR IT!

MrsWampthang, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2006

I work as a CNA in the ER and we do basically everything that JessicRN mentioned:
We do most of the blood draws for labs, the ECGs, vital signs, collect urine/sputum/stool samples for testing, assist patients to/from the bathroom, do one to one watch with some of the psych patients, change beds, dress and clean up patients as needed, foley care, BG monitoring, guaiacs, bring them food/drinks, CPR/chest compressions, NG tube care, ostomy care, fetch supplies and dressing materials for the MDs or RNs, etc.
We don't clean rooms or escort patients to Xray or CT scan or MRI, we have other staff that does that. I think it just depends on where you work as to what your duties may be.

I would venture to say that you aren't a CNA, you're a tech. There is quite a difference. I imagine CNAs role in ER would be more geared to keeping rooms and patients clean and transporting patients to places that need to go in the hospital.