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How does a CNA prioritize and organize the work day? by Belinda Judge - CNATips
How does a CNA prioritize and organize the work day? is often a question that many of us have when it comes to looking at the versatile tasks that a CNA is required to perform. It is true that a CNA would have umpteen tasks to perform throughout her shift during a particular day. However, the first thing that they usually do is to get a clear picture of the patients for whom they need to care.
To answer the question on How does a CNA prioritize and organize the work day?, first and foremost, they get a heads up from the outgoing CNAs that have completed their duties regarding the patients' current conditions. They do this by going on 'rounds' to all the rooms of the patients they take charge of. Once this gets over, the nurses that have come in for the current shift elaborate the medical conditions of the patients to the CNAs.
Further to this, if the CNA works in a day shift, they will have to wake the patients up and get them ready for the day ahead. This might include assistance in terms of toileting, grooming, shaving, and washing, going for breakfast, coming back, setting up the bed, changing bed sheets and cleaning the room whenever necessary. When she does this, she is required to insure safety in all tasks that she gets involved in. Adherence to hygiene is very important and needs to be strictly adhered to!
While the CNA performs these chores, she might have to keep track of the patient's medical records too. In case of a diabetic patient, she should monitor the sugar levels both at the start and end of her official duty hours. Sometimes, this might also involve blood pressure checks, heart beat rate checks and temperature too. Keeping an eye on the nutrition taken in by the patients under her care is another task that is considered to be quite important.
Nonetheless, 'How does a CNA prioritize and organize the work day?' is definitely a challenging! A CNA who is in the emergency room mainly answers to the cal lights of the patient, monitors body conditions and assists with toileting of the patients under her care. Cleaning rooms after patient discharge and providing the vacant rooms with new hospital clothing are yet another common task that the CNAs are expected to perform!
About the Author
Belinda Judge enjoys talking about CNA training and CNA certification as well as networking with cna professionals online
