Ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve made a mistake at work? As a CNA, even small errors can have big consequences. The pressure to provide top-notch care while juggling multiple patients can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common CNA mistakes and how to avoid them. Whether you’re fresh out of training or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you stay on top of your game.
From medication mix-ups to communication blunders, we’ll cover it all. Ready to boost your skills and keep your patients safer? Let’s dive in and turn those potential pitfalls into stepping stones for success.
Common CNA Mistakes to Avoid
Generally, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) works closely with patients among the other workers in the healthcare team. As they work more with elder patients, CNAS needs to offer error-free patient care to all the patients under their care.
It is a good practice to adapt to providing error-free patient care from the time they start practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Understandably, at times it is human nature to commit mistakes unknowingly. CNAs must be well equipped and skilled to be able to handle such situations bravely.
Here are some of the CNA mistakes that are commonly made by CNAs at their workplace. The CNA mistakes are as follows:
- Improper Documentation or Charting.
- Medication Errors.
- Infection Issues.
- Equipment Injuries.
- Seeking Help Without the Right Information in Hand.
- Patient Falls.
1. IMPROPER DOCUMENTATION OR CHARTING
One of the most important duties of a CNA is to record and maintain patient records. CNAs are expected to record all the essential information related to the patient as it helps with diagnosis and learning about the patient’s history.
These records help members of the healthcare team to understand the patient’s health condition and the treatments they have undergone previously.
2. MEDICATION ERRORS
The next common CNA mistake generally committed by CNAs in the healthcare industry is medication error. From handing out the wrong prescription to a patient to dispensing the wrong dosage of medication can put the patient’s life at high risk.
As a CNA, you are expected to carry out your tasks with utmost concentration and accuracy to avoid any possible CNA mistakes from happening. Some of the possible medication errors are,
- Handing out the wrong medications to patients.
- Dispensing the wrong dosage of medications for patients.
- Writing the wrong prescription order to the patient.
3. INFECTION ISSUES
Next on the list of common CNA mistakes are problems related to infection and its prevention. As a CNA closely working with patients, especially aged patients, you are required to be very cautious about infections in patients under your care.
Some of the common infections you will have to handle and prevent as CNA are as follows:
- Urinary tract infections.
- Skin infections.
- Respiratory infections.
- Gastroenteritis.
- Soft-tissue infections.
Some of the ways you can control infections in patients as CNAs are as follows:
- Using personal protective equipment such as gloves, eyewear, and masks.
- Hand hygiene.
- Safe injection practices.
- Sterilize devices and instruments regularly.
4. EQUIPMENT INJURIES
Another common challenge for CNAs is equipment injury. It is the CNAs’ responsibility to maintain the safety of the patient whenever they are taken for check-ups and whenever equipment is being used on patients during check-ups.
A nurse educator plays a vital role in educating and ensuring that all the CNA students are well-trained and have gained knowledge about how equipment is being used. And also, their competency has to be documented as well.
5. SEEKING HELP WITHOUT THE RIGHT INFORMATION IN HAND
At times certain mistakes may not threaten the patient’s life but might require immediate care requiring more attention than one person can give. As a CNA, in such situations, seek your coworker’s or your teammate’s help.
You must have enough information in hand to be able to brief the scenario to your teammate and seek help. You must be able to provide information such as:
- Patient details such as name and age.
- The medical condition of the patient.
- Reason for admission to the hospital.
It is close to impossible for your coworker or medical team member to be able to assist or help you in such scenarios without proper information about the patient and the scenario.
6. PATIENT FALLS
Last but not least, the last on the list of common CNA mistakes is patient falls. As a part of your duty as a CNA, you will have to lift and move patients from one place to another whenever required.
Patients may accidentally fall when they attempt to get out of bed and move around on their own. As a CNA, you have to monitor patients at such times and assist them with any necessary movement.
The slightest fall can lead to serious injuries and may cause legal problems in the hospital. Certain fall injuries might cause serious issues and may also put the patient at high risk.
Some of the serious issues that can be caused by fall injuries are:
- Fractures in the arm, hip, wrist, and ankle.
- Head injuries.
- Osteoporosis.
- Fractures in the humerus or pelvis.
Now that you are aware of some of the common CNA mistakes, let’s now discuss some tips to avoid CNA mistakes.
7. Failing to Dress Professionally
Dressing professionally is crucial for CNAs. Your appearance reflects your respect for the job and impacts how others perceive you. Always wear clean, fresh clothes from head to toe. This simple step can make a big difference in how you’re seen by patients, colleagues, and supervisors. Here’s some helpful tips:
- Wear clean, wrinkle-free scrubs
- Wear comfortable, closed-shoes such as nursing clogs or athletic shoes. Avoid open-toe shoes for safety reasons.
- Limit Jewelry and Accessories
- Maintain good personal hygiene including clean hair, nails, and body.Â
- Avoid strong scents that could bother patients.
Remember, first impressions matter in healthcare. A neat, tidy appearance shows you take your role seriously and care about the environment you work in.
8. Not Following Protocols
Following protocols is vital for CNAs. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe – both patients and staff. When you ignore protocols, you create risks for everyone involved. Always stick to the established guidelines, even if they seem tedious or time-consuming. If you’re unsure about a protocol, ask for clarification.
- Familiarize yourself with all workplace protocols
- Ask for clarification if unsure about any procedure
- Report any outdated or unclear protocols to supervisors
It’s better to take a moment to double-check than to make a mistake that could harm someone.
9. Using Personal Devices in Patient Care Areas
Using personal devices in patient areas is a big no-no for CNAs. It’s not just unprofessional – it can breach patient privacy. Stick to using work-provided devices only. Keep your phone in your locker or break room. If you need to make a call, step away from patient areas.
- Turn off personal devices during work hours
- Use work-provided communication devices only
- Take personal calls during designated break times
Remember, your focus should be on patient care, not your personal device. This rule helps maintain a professional environment and protects patient confidentiality.
10. Not Reporting Errors
Not reporting errors is a dangerous mistake for CNAs. Hiding mistakes can lead to more problems down the line. If you make an error, report it to your supervisor right away. Be honest about what happened. This allows for quick corrective action and prevents further harm.
- Understand the error reporting process
- Report errors immediately, no matter how small
- Participate in discussions about preventing future errors
Remember, patient safety is the top priority. Owning up to mistakes shows integrity and helps improve overall care quality.
11. Disregarding Risk Management Procedures
These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. Always follow safety protocols, even if they seem tedious. Report any accidents or near-misses right away. Don’t try to cover up incidents. By sticking to safety guidelines, you help create a safer environment for patients and staff alike.
- Attend all safety training sessions
- Use proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries
- Follow infection control guidelines strictly
Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
12. Not Being a Team Player
Healthcare requires collaboration. Communicate clearly with nurses, doctors, and other staff. Be willing to help others when you can. Share important information about patients. Don’t try to do everything alone.
- Offer help to colleagues when you have downtime
- Participate actively in team meetings and discussions
- Share relevant patient information during shift changes
A strong team provides better care and makes the job easier for everyone. Remember, you’re part of a larger care team working towards the same goal.
Tips to Avoid CNA Mistakes
Proper Documentation and Charting
One of the most important duties of a CNA is to accurately record and maintain patient records. CNAs are expected to thoroughly document all essential information related to the patient, as this helps the healthcare team understand the patient’s health condition and treatment history.
Some common documentation mistakes to avoid include:
- Failure to record the time, date, and signature for each medical entry
- Lack of details regarding medications, treatments, and patient care
- Incomplete or missing patient charts
- Poor handwriting that is difficult to read
To prevent these errors, CNAs should:
- Take detailed notes during each shift and transfer the information to the patient’s chart
- Double-check all documentation before submitting it
- Use standard medical terminology and avoid restricted abbreviations
- Maintain legible handwriting
Double-Check Medication Labels
Medication errors are a serious concern for CNAs that can put patients at risk. These mistakes include giving the wrong medication, using incorrect dosages, or recording prescriptions incorrectly. To prevent these errors, CNAs must be vigilant.
They should always double-check medication labels, confirm patient names and dosages, and seek help from nurses or pharmacists if anything is unclear. It’s crucial to follow the “five rights” of medication administration:
- Right patient
- Right drug
- Right dose
- Right route
- Right time
Be Proactive
Patient falls are a major safety concern and a common mistake for CNAs. These accidents can happen when beds are left raised, high-risk patients aren’t properly assisted, or alarms are ignored. To keep patients safe, CNAs need to be proactive.
Always lower beds before leaving rooms, keep a close eye on those at risk of falling, and respond quickly to alarms. It’s crucial to make sure patients can easily reach their walking aids or other devices they need. Lastly, CNAs should let nurses know about any fall risks or incidents right away. Here are key points to remember:
- Lower beds before leaving rooms
- Monitor high-risk patients closely
- Respond to alarms immediately
- Keep assistive devices within reach
- Report fall risks to nursing staff
Other Common Mistakes
CNAs should be aware of other common mistakes that can impact patient care. These include poor infection control, like forgetting to wash hands or use sterile techniques. Equipment injuries can happen when using broken or unfamiliar devices. Some CNAs also fail to ask for help or report problems when they should.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with training, especially for new procedures or equipment. Open communication with nurses is key – don’t be afraid to ask questions. Staying focused, avoiding distractions, and taking time to do tasks right are also important.
Keys to prevention:
- Seek training on new procedures
- Communicate openly with nurses
- Stay focused and avoid rushing
Lessen Your Mistakes in Doing Your CNA Job
As discussed above, CNAs need to avoid mistakes when they offer patient care in their workplace. Also, CNAs need to have the required skills to handle the situation when such mistakes and errors are made. It is a good practice to adapt to providing error-free patient care from the time you start practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
If you are planning to take the CNA exam or know someone who is planning to become a CNA, make sure to refer to our free CNA practice test to help you prepare for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Common CNA Mistakes
How do you avoid the top nursing errors?
To avoid common nursing errors, prioritize getting adequate sleep to maintain alertness. Always lower patient beds before leaving the room, even briefly. Double-check shift change reports at the start and end of each shift. Conduct regular rounds and closely monitor patients to catch any changes in condition. Don’t hesitate to seek help from colleagues when needed. These practices help maintain patient safety, reduce mistakes, and ensure comprehensive care throughout your shift.
What are common mistakes in nursing documentation?
Common nursing documentation errors include failing to record time, date, and signature on medical entries, which can lead to confusion and legal issues. Insufficient details about medications and treatments in patient charts can compromise care continuity. Incomplete or missing patient records jeopardize patient safety and hinder effective communication among healthcare providers.
Poor handwriting can result in misinterpretation of critical information, potentially causing medication errors or treatment delays. These mistakes can have serious consequences for patient care and should be diligently avoided through careful, thorough documentation practices.
How do you chart patients?
Here are ways to chart patient details:
- Document to medical necessity.
- Avoid usage of restricted abbreviations in patient charting.
- Record patient care using standard medical terminologies.
What are some common infection control mistakes made by CNAs?
Common infection control mistakes made by CNAs include improper hand hygiene, incorrect use of personal protective equipment (PPE), failure to properly clean and disinfect equipment, and not following isolation precautions. CNAs may also spread infections by not changing gloves between patients or not properly disposing of contaminated materials.
What are the most critical safety protocols for CNAs to follow?
Critical safety protocols for CNAs include consistent hand washing, proper use and disposal of PPE, adherence to standard precautions for all patients, correct handling of sharps and medical waste, following isolation procedures when necessary, and maintaining a clean work environment. CNAs must also accurately report patient conditions and potential safety hazards to supervisors.
What is the hardest thing about being a CNA?
The hardest thing about being a CNA is often the emotional toll of the job. You’re dealing with patients who are sick, in pain, or near the end of life. It can be tough to maintain a positive attitude while witnessing suffering daily.
The physical demands are also challenging, with long hours on your feet and frequent heavy lifting. Balancing the needs of multiple patients while dealing with time pressures can be stressful.
What are the hard situations as a CNA?
Hard situations as a CNA include handling combative or uncooperative patients, especially those with dementia or mental health issues. You might face verbal abuse or physical aggression. Dealing with the death of patients you’ve grown close to can be emotionally draining.
Handling bodily fluids and waste is a daily challenge that some find difficult. Communicating with non-verbal patients or those with language barriers can be frustrating. Balancing the demands of patients, families, and supervisors while staying within your scope of practice can also create tense situations.
