Certified Nursing Assistant

Documenting

When writing notes, be clear, concise and to the point. Be objective. Don’t write what you think happened or what you think caused an incident. Only write what you know.

Timely documentation is vital. If you take a set of VS and see that a resident has a fever, let the nurse know right away. Don’t wait until the end of the shift, or even wait until you’re done with this resident.

If your facility uses flow sheets, make sure you’re initials can be easily read.

Getting to know the particular types of paperwork you are required to do can take a little time; it is always better to ask before you sign your name to anything.

Never sign off anything you didn’t do. Never sign off something someone else has asked you to sign. Only document care YOU have given.

Being a witness to something and being asked to sign that you witnessed- this is another story.

Just make sure you write that you witnessed….

Use pens with facility approved colors. Don’t use pencils or markers. (KEEP IN MIND: Colored inks do NOT show up on copies- only B/W does)…

Taking Care Of Yourself

Don’t go to work sick. Ever. On the other hand, don’t call out over a simple hangnail either. Be respectful of giving enough notice when you call in. Also, never call to say you’ll be late and then call back to say you’re not coming in at all!!

Eat right- right is different for all of us. Make sure you are getting enough calories in daily to do your job as well as your home life.

Drink a lot of water. CNA’s don’t always think of themselves when it comes to fluid intake! Eight 8 oz. glasses a day is the least we should be bringing in; more is cool. If permitted, carry with you a covered water bottle at work. Drinking enough water may very be one of the best things we can do for ourselves!

Do some stretching before work! Really- it helps loosen up all those muscles we use and this helps prevent back injuries.

Lift people and objects properly. Use good body mechanics: Lift with your leg muscles, not your back muscles. Keep your balance and always work in conjunction with a partner during lifts.

Get enough sleep. Again, this is a personal thing, each individual has different needs. Whatever your need are, tend to them.

If you find that you are always getting upset about work, if you feel outraged at things- you need a break. Take a vacation. If this is not possible, then take a mental health day. I don’t condone taking time off that isn’t vacation – but there are those times that we all need a break. Especially right now when the nursing community is changing so rapidly.

Remember that you are a person who the new CNA looks up too; you are IT. So act it. Be professional, but friendly. Be there for those moments of self doubt and fear. Be a person who is positive and encouraging. NEVER rebuff a new CNA’s idea’s or observations: After all, they see things from a view point you haven’t seen for a long time.

The way you interact with the residents is very important during the mentoring period. Go over Resident Rights , and when the time is right use what you are doing as an example of honoring rights.

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