What makes a great CNA?

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 4, 2006

moving thread to general nursing discussion forum from introduction and greeting forum for better member visibility and feedback.

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weetziebat · Jan 4, 2006

To me, a great CNA is an intelligent, caring person, who has been welled trained, and knows what a valuable member of the team they are.

With an excellent CNA the floor can run like a dream - someone who is not afraid of hard work, who doesn't look over her shoulder to see if the other CNA's are doing less, so she then can do less herself. Someone who realizes that the patient comes first and as much as you'd prefer a smoke break to cleaning up a bed full of diarrhea, you are able to have empathy to tackle the dirty bed first.

A CNA who doesn't think it is a 'us' angainst 'them' on the floor, and understands that just because the nurses may be sitting down charting it really doesn't mean they are being lazy. My favorites work as part of a close net team, all working for the good of the patient, and not bickering or disappearing when the dirty work has to be done. Chipping in and helping out by the RN, LPN, and CNA is what is needed, without anyone keeping count.

If we have time and a CNA is interested in learning outside her scope of practice, I am happy to explain things, as long as it is underestood it is not within their scope of practice to do these things. But many CNA's are studying to become nurses and I think it is great to be able to help them understand the rationales for procedures, and how equipment opperates.

I love, love, love good CNA'S!!!!!!!

LoriAlabamaRN · Jan 4, 2006

For one, I think a great CNA is one who actually cares enough to make a request like this one!!! I would hire you on in a heartbeat.

To me, a great CNA is one who doesn't need to be prompted but doesn't get offended if something is asked for early (like an early BP or recheck of a temp). Also, someone who will come tell me right away if a vital sign is abnormal. Someone who has the patience to assist these special people in our care. Also, to thoroughly clean the resident after diaper changes so they don't smell bad (one of my pet peeves since these people realize they stink and it shames them). Someone who can handle constructive criticism without getting defensive, and who isn't afraid to ask questions.

Most importantly, someone who will not try to cover up a mistake to keep from getting in trouble. Our residents are old, skin tears easily happen, bones even break, but you must be willing to tell your charge nurse right away. I've seen unreported resident injuries way too often, we know that accidents happen and you won't get in trouble for letting us know. In fact, those who have come to me about incidents like that are the ones who I trust the most. And no matter how far behind you are, never skip or fake vitals. (Sounds basic, I know, but it happens more than you would think.) Don't be afraid to ask for help, but don't get angry if the nurse is too busy to help at that moment and you have to wait. Be willing to be part of a team.

As for the nurse who scoffed at you for carrying your supplies? Don't even worry about it. Like anywhere, nursing has its share of unkind people. That nurse was inappropriate. I would have said "No, but I AM a 'real CNA' which is why I need this." I don't know why some people feel they must take others down a peg in order to feel superior.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jan 5, 2006

GiantHeart you sound like someone I would love to work with. You are an example of a REAL CNA! Good luck in Nursing School and keep up posted on your progress.

HappyNurse2005, RN · Jan 5, 2006

Someone who does the job the right way, without shortcuts. Someone with a good attitude (we have a CNA who complains the day away, and its really annoying). People who don't roll their eyes when you ask htem to help you do something.

People who don't have an "im better than you complex" and think that all nurses are lazy and the CNA"s are the only ones who work hard. Or that we have it easy b/c we have 4 pts and they have 8.

Ones who are willing to help out w/ ppl who aren't their patient.

Ones who tell you when they take a BP of 200/120 or a blood sugar of 40 or 400.

NOw if a CNA wanted to listen to breath sounds, too, I'd be fine with that, if htey had the time to do it (wasn't taking away from their job) and if I had the time to help them out. I don't think I'd want them listening to the breath sounds by themselves w/o me in the room-they might not know what they are hearing/not hearing, plus then the patient might mistake them for the nurse.

Q. · Jan 5, 2006

I worked with one CNA when I would work post partum and why I thought she was great was the following:

* She was proactive in her duties. I didn't have to tell her to take vitals, get the patient up, etc.

* She was versed in our standard protocols so she could perform her duties independently. She knew enough then to ask about a non-standard patient (ie: a post partum patient from ICU, etc).

* She was versed in our patient population enough to prioritize her own duties. I didn't have to do that for her. (ie: she knew that a 1500 EBL patient would need closer monitoring than a standard lady partsl delivery)

* A friendly attitude, just like anyone else.

That to me makes a great CNA.