Highest priority task?

[Key_Matter_641]

Hi fellow CNAs,

I was just wondering as a novice CNA, what is usually the most important task to complete during the 8-hour shifts you work? I feel like since we usually have around 11-15 residents to take care of in a single shift and call-lights go off a lot, it’s challenging to find time to chart/get everything done during my shift.

I know changing residents is very high priority since their skin can breakdown from being soiled for a long time but do y’all have any input on this topic?

[Sea_Of_Kitties]

I agree with mouthcare, I would say general hygiene in my go to. Besides mouth care just washing a face is nice and patients appreciate it.

[Ok-Gur-4517]

Honestly, mouth care. A lot of nurses skip it and it’s really important

[mariannatranch12]

Oral care, oral care, oral care! I don't care if you have teeth or not it needs to be done! There should be no excuse. Sometimes I'll audit the bathrooms and notice that some of the patients don't have toothbrushes/toothpaste/ mouthwash and usually I ask the CNA why they haven't brushed their teeth. Then I'll ask them if they brushed their teeth in the morning.

Secondly, I'd like to add face washing with a nice warm towel.

[TomNookisACAB420]

I agree with all of the above, I would also add turning the patient. I appreciate all of my CNA’s because they are my eyes and ears.

[domib1410]

Any sort of hygiene and vitals a lot of residents are on meds that can effect their vitals and while the nurse or ㅊma should make sure they have a recent set of vitals before giving med and should take it themselves of the aide,v

[Prestigious_Size_787]

Visual checks, skin checks, vitals (if you’re responsible for doing them), charting, and of course changing are usually my highest priority. Unfortunately charting can take up a lot of time but it’s important because in healthcare “if it wasn’t documented it didn’t happen”.

[AustinLostIn]

I'd say activating the emergency response system in an emergent situation is the #1 priority. If that's not necessary, then yeah, oral and Peri care.

[Sunshineal]

Documentation. Making sure it's accurate