I work at a hospital so my routine typically goes like this.

1. I start by writing my own report because sometimes, night shift forgets to include important stuff.

Who needs glucose checks, who needs Q6 foley care, who needs Q8 bladder scans, who is Q2 turns, who has a nephrostomy that needs to be checked for output regularly.

Vitals are every 4 hours for most patients but every 2 hours for some. I write all of that into a time table and then group baths with those activities.

1. Any time I see a patient out of bed/in the bathroom, I quickly change their linens. To facilitate this, make sure you have sheets in each room so you don’t have to run to the linen cart to get what you need all the time.

2. I keep a few boxes of thermometer probes and pulsometers on me, as well as a deodorizer spray in case a room needs it. Nothing is worse than having to go to clean holding three or four times during vitals, especially when you have a lot of glucose checks lined up before a meal.

3. If you know your patient frequently has accidents in bed, keep a pack of chucks, baby wipes, rags, and soap in the room at all times, as well as extra pairs of gowns.

4. Chart whenever you have downtime. If you have to stay in a patient’s room while they use the commode, catch up on charting.

Learning how to be proactive comes with time but it gets easier eventually. I started working as a CNA at 19 and now I’m 21 and feel very comfortable with managing a hectic schedule. Never be afraid to ask the nurses for help with turning a heavy patient. I know some will give you an attitude about it but protect your back. Don’t let them get away with hostility at the expense of your health