We know that CNA programs don't cover the same material as LPN or RN programs, but reviewing electronic charts is just as important for CNAs as Nurses.
We recently got this idea from a conference for how to use an Academic EHR, like EHR Tutor, to address which responsibilities are the CNA's vs. the Nurse's.
- Open the Patient Summary for a patient on a smartboard or projector. The Patient Summary should include orders for that patient.
- Ask students to name which orders they are responsible for and which orders the Nurse is responsible for.
- If there are any warning signs on the chart, ask students if they see anything that would prompt them to ask for a Nurse's assistance.
- If you're working on charting, have the students fill out an assessment for the "patient" including only fields that apply to them as a CNA.
In the end, electronic charting doesn't change the responsibilities of a CNA. They still need to know what they are responsible for and when to ask for help. This is a perfect way to cover that in the classroom!