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April 2016 Moms
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Any CNA's?

ahhhhmandax3ahhhhmandax3 member
edited September 2015 in April 2016 Moms
Hello. I'm 25 years old and this is my first pregnancy. I've been a CNA for three years now and I was wondering if there were any others out there- whether a CNA or others in the nursing field.
How are you guys able to do your job effectively when residents are on precautions for things like shingles and MRSA?
My facility is a "no lift" facility but that doesn't mean there's no heavy lifting involved. Hoyers and gait belts are only so effective for certain people.
I was wondering how you guys have handled the heavy lifting and precautions in your own lives?
Have you told your facility you're pregnant? I haven't. I'd like to wait until the first trimester is over, but I'm not sure that's going to be possible...

Any feedback, advice or just CNA chatter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! :P
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Re: Any CNA's?

  • AmadorRoseAmadorRose member
    I was a CNA for about 6 years before I joined the army. I worked nights with one other older lady and did all of the grunt work myself. I was ripped! IMO, there's really no such thing as "non-lifting". Your HR rep or a handbook from when you were hired are likely going to be your best place for answers as far as infection control and lifting policies. If you are worried or work regularly with infectious residents, it may be best to speak up sooner rather than later in order to protect yourself. Also, if you talk to your supervisor about it, she has to keep that information private. She will likely either have the answers or point you in the right direction. I would mention, though, that you'd like it kept quiet because women who work in a nursing home are the most gossipy women I've ever experienced.
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  • fantasticmrsfoxfantasticmrsfox member
    I was a CNA while pregnant with my DS. I was comfortable to share the news with my coworkers before it became an issue. (Though, while we weren't telling anyone, hiding the morning sickness was hard! I went to throw up once and when I came back my coworker kept saying "ugh it smells like throw up!" And I had to play it off like it wasn't me.)

    Make sure you are communicating with your nurse, they are the ones who will know if you should not be in contact with a certain resident. You also need to keep yourself informed!

    We had one resident taking a medication that could cause birth defects if touched or if someone came into contact with his urine. Even though chances were slim while wearing gloves, I didn't want to risk it. You need to be your own advocate too! Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable even if they tell you you'll be fine.

    As far as lifting, just know your body. There were certain residents I knew I could not help with, especially later on. I ended up quitting (I was going to be a SAHM after) when I was 8 months pregnant because I was so exhausted and felt like I couldn't help much with my giant bump.
    H. Foxe born October 22, 2013
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  • Knottie99642114Knottie99642114 member
    I'm a private duty Nurse. I spoke with my OB about lifting because my kids are between 20-40 lbs and I have to carry, lift ,transfer them. She said that I currently have no limitations. I also hoyer lift an adult client I care for when I do visits. That's a little more challenging. I have told my job already, I am 6 weeks 4 days, but I wanted to be safe. As far as exposure, keep up with good hand hygiene and wear masks. Also if a patient has shingles request to switch with someone. MRSA is a contact precaution so gown glove and mask when you are in the room. Hope this helps.
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  • ahhhhmandax3ahhhhmandax3 member
    Thank you guys!
    I told the woman who is usually out charge nurse and she thanked me for telling her and she's been having my co-workers help with heavier residents and residents on precautions.

    I appreciate this, but this (as I've mentioned) is my first pregnancy and I have no idea what to expect. I kind of don't expect that I'll be able to perform my job in upcoming months. I don't want to seem lazy or impotent, but as you guys know, being a CNA is hard work and I'm terrified of anything going wrong with the pregnancy and I'd rather not risk it.
    I've worked with so many girls who've had miscarriages... Even though I'm not aware of their personal health or what's going on in their body, I've always kind of associated it with the job.
    I'd rather that not be me....
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  • MrsCayEyeMrsCayEye member
    I'm a nurse, I work in a multiple disabilities classroom. I don't have any restrictions as far as work goes, I still lift and change and deal with behavior issues as I normally would. I haven't discussed this pregnancy with my boss or other classroom staff yet, but I worked the same job until my due date with DS with no issues or change in my responsibilities so I plan to do the same this time.
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  • ahhhhmandax3ahhhhmandax3 member
    You didn't have any issues?
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