When to answer other cna's call lights

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Whenever I get free time on my hands, I have a habit of answering other cna's call lights that ring for a certain period of time. The call light noise is so annoying, and I don't want the nurses or the nursing supervisor hearing that buzz while they see other aides on different assignments sitting on their rump, ignoring the sound. When the light goes off, I look around for the cna assigned to that room. And when I don't see them, I assume that they are busy with another resident, so I tend to answer the call. I don't want to be THAT cna that bounces around doing everyone else's job, including my own. And I don't want to be taken advantage of either. I just want to be decent at what I was hired to do. Do you answer other cna's call lights? How do I find a balance, so I won't be hopping up and down the halls like a jack rabbit? :uhoh3:

To be completely honest, it is rare that I get to sit down during a shift because of what you are asking about.

I work the noc shift, where most of my 20 residents are sleeping. After I have completed my rounds, vitals, charts, water and ice pass, stocking up linen and collecting trash from resident's room, I do LUCKILY have the freedom to sit down and await to answer any call lights ringing. I have worked the day shift, and I couldn't imagine sitting down with such a hectic schedule. My hat goes off to the day and evening shift.

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I answer call lights from other assignments if I am free, regardless. That person wants something.

I just can't ignore a call light. I guess I am a sucker, but I just can't seem to walk past and ignore it!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

I think the question of when to answer call lights depends on the facility and the shift.

It is my LTC's policy that all CNAs are responsible for answering call lights, regardless of assignment. Of course, evening and night shifts don't do assignments (which I think is awesome), so this only applies to day shift. And I have found that if you answer another CNA's call light, they will look at you as if you have three heads and tell you that that's not your assignment with a stupified look on their face.

At the hospital, call lights are answered by the front desk via the intercom, and then the CNA or RN is paged accordingly.

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It is my LTC's policy that all CNAs are responsible for answering call lights, regardless of assignment. Of course, evening and night shifts don't do assignments (which I think is awesome), so this only applies to day shift.

My LTC'S policy is that day, evening and night shift each have assignments. I suppose that's where the infamous 'that's not my room or resident' mentality and attitude comes from.

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My LTC'S policy is that day, evening and night shift each have assignments. I suppose that's where the infamous 'that's not my room or resident' mentality and attitude comes from.

I will answer any call bell if I am not tied up, and if my assignment is calm, I will wander down to the other side to see if the other NA needs anything doing I can help her with.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Just think about the patient at the other end of that light and you'll never have to wonder if you should go answer a light that isn't part of your assignment.

I was lucky to work with a great team- we all worked together, always, and it was tough when we had agency staff come in, because it wasn't the same.

That being said, there are nurses where I work now who will ignore a vent alarm because it isn't "their" patient! :eek:

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I will answer another CNAs call light if I am passing by the room, or not doing anything at the time.

I don't care that the other CNAs have an intense desire to acquaint their butt with the chair. :nuke::lol2:.

If the resident needs help, they need help even if it is a request to align the bed with the edge of their dresser or something like that (I have been asked that many times).

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In my facility if you aren't doing anything and you see a call light go off, you AT THE VERY LEAST poke your head in the room and see what's going on. If you walk past a call light and continue on to your smoke break, that is in a way... neglect.. and you would get written up.

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Thank you, ijh6890.

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Specializes in Cardiac.
But that is exactly my point! I don't mind HELPING out, but like I quoted 'I don't want to bounce around DOING everyone else's job, INCLUDING MY OWN.' I am not getting paid their salary on top of mine. If I wasn't willing to help and assist in the first place, I wouldn't be answering other cna's call lights. And I'd be like those lazy cna's 'sitting on their rump'. Again, like I quoted 'I don't want to be taken advantage of either.' I am trying to 'find a balance'.

...thanks for your advice

Even though this is less than ideal, I'd be willing to bet that your management *will* notice and you will be compensated in other, indirect ways.

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Specializes in LTC.

^ What do you mean by that? Like letting you work with people who are well-liked, or something?

I do way more than my fair share of work, and it's no secret. I even heard one of the nurses telling the supervisor about it. I still have to work on hard assignments with sucky CNAs all the time.

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Specializes in LPN, CNA, LTC, Rehab, Dementia care.
On 4/16/2010 at 6:07 PM, NurxingRoxx said:

Whenever I get free time on my hands, I have a habit of answering other CNA's call lights that ring for a certain period of time. The call light noise is so annoying, and I don't want the nurses or the nursing supervisor hearing that buzz while they see other aides on different assignments sitting on their rump, ignoring the sound. When the light goes off, I look around for the CNA assigned to that room. And when I don't see them, I assume that they are busy with another resident, so I tend to answer the call. I don't want to be THAT CNA that bounces around doing everyone else's job, including my own. And I don't want to be taken advantage of either. I just want to be decent at what I was hired to do. Do you answer other CNA's call lights? How do I find a balance, so I won't be hopping up and down the halls like a jack rabbit? :uhoh3:

Answering call lights is the responsibility of all the CNA, LPN, and RN staff; no matter if it's your assigned floor or not. It's all about being a team player!

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