Worried I am going to lose my job.

Published

A couple weeks ago I was working on med surge floor and made the mistake that I would check placement of an NG tube. I am a nursing student but when I did this I was working as an CNA. I got an email from my boss asking if I did this. I fessed up and said that I did. I have a perfect record no write ups. What do up you think will happen. Will the hospital have mercy on me. I got excited about checking placement on an NG that I forgot about my limitations as a CNA. I let my willingness to learn get in the way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Best thing to do is to call your boss and either ask on the phone about it or go in and see your boss. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Was a nurse with you when you did this? If you're a student doing this under a nurse's supervision then I don't see that there should be any worries. Speak to your boss. Don't just let this hand over your head. Tell us how it goes and good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.
Was a nurse with you when you did this? If you're a student doing this under a nurse's supervision then I don't see that there should be any worries. Speak to your boss. Don't just let this hand over your head. Tell us how it goes and good luck to you!

My understanding is that she didn't check placement when on the floor as a student nurse, it was done while working a shift as a CNA. I agree you should speak to your boss about it, but hard to tell if you will lose your job. Depends on the boss I guess. It is definitely not in your scope of practice as a CNA to do that. Was a nurse present when you did this? Being supervised by a nurse would make this a BIT better IMO... Just be extra careful from now on if they give you another chance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Why would you as a CNA need to check NG tube placement?? Just curious. I agree, fess up and talk to your boss.. Hope things go well for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately, your actions could give the impression that you are unable to exercise good judgement, discern boundaries, have self control and then leaves the question as to whether or not you can be trusted to be safe.

You absolutely must possess all those things.

Throw yourself at their mercy.

We know it's exciting but you just can't do that.

Even if you were with the pt's nurse, since you were in your PCT role, you could not do that. Both you and that nurse would be in deep doo-doo.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

That was not a good idea. I agree with Hygiene Queen....

your actions could give the impression that you are unable to exercise good judgement, discern boundaries, have self control and then leaves the question as to whether or not you can be trusted to be safe.
All they can think of is..... what will he do next?? This was a big deal. While I understand your excitement for learning...you cannot perform these tasks independently.

I have allowed student when they are with me to place their stethoscope on the abdomen to hear what placement sounds like while I am verifying it myself...but never allow them to perform this independently.

Throw yourself at their mercy...acknowledge your mistake and promise to NEVER over step your boundaries again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion