Introduction: The Great Blood Pressure Debate

It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as healthcare itself. CNAs and nurses can’t seem to agree on one thing: who should be taking blood pressures?

CNAs argue they’re too busy running around like headless chickens, while nurses feel it’s just another part of a CNA’s job. Both sides have their points, but one thing’s for sure—this debate has led to more drama than an episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

The Overworked CNA

Part 1: The CNAs’ Perspective – “It’s Not Our Job!”

“Look,” said Shauna, a frustrated CNA with her hands on her hips. “I’ve got 15 residents to check on, 10 call lights blinking, and three showers that were supposed to be done yesterday. And now you want me to stop everything and take a blood pressure?”

Her coworkers nodded in agreement.

“Why do we need the blood pressure anyway? It’s not like we’re the ones charting it,” chimed in Chris, who was already elbow-deep in a pile of dirty linens.

For CNAs, taking blood pressures feels like one more thing on an already overloaded plate.

The Frustrated Nurse

Part 2: The Nurses’ Perspective – “It’s Literally Your Job!”

On the other side of the breakroom, Nurse Tammy was rolling her eyes so hard they might’ve gotten stuck.

“You think passing out 100 pills every morning is easy?” she snapped. “Do you know how many residents ask me to crush their meds into pudding? You CNAs sit around acting like blood pressures are the end of the world!”

The other nurses murmured in agreement.

“It’s not about laziness,” Tammy continued. “It’s about teamwork. If you take the blood pressures, I can focus on the medications and charting. Everyone wins.”

The Overburdened CNA

Part 3: The CNA’s Reality – “We’re Doing Everything!”

“Teamwork?” laughed Shauna. “How is it teamwork when I’m doing everything? I’m the one answering call lights, cleaning residents, doing laundry, and now I’ve got to chase down blood pressures too?”

CNAs often feel overworked and underappreciated. They’re already stretched thin, and every additional task feels like one more reason to quit.

Meanwhile, across the hall, the nurse sat at her station, sipping coffee and scrolling on her phone.

“Doing everything, huh?” muttered Tammy under her breath.

The Breakroom Showdown

Part 4: The Nurse’s Reality – “CNAs Just Sit Around”

From the nurses’ point of view, CNAs have it easy.

“Whenever I walk by the breakroom, there’s always at least two CNAs sitting there, laughing about something while I’m running around like a madwoman,” Tammy complained.

“Don’t forget,” added Nurse Karen, “CNAs are the first to clock out on time, while we’re stuck here charting until midnight.”

To them, asking CNAs to take blood pressures was just evening out the workload.

The Supervisor’s Ruling

Part 5: The (Temporary) Compromise

Finally, the nursing supervisor stepped in.

“Alright, listen up,” she said, silencing the room. “CNAs, you’ll take blood pressures when you can. Nurses, stop dumping everything on the CNAs. Now get back to work!”

Both sides left the meeting grumbling, but at least for a moment, there was peace.

That is, until the next shift.

The Verdict

In the end, the debate over who should take blood pressures isn’t really about the cuffs—it’s about the larger issues of teamwork, communication, and respect. Whether you’re a CNA or a nurse, the truth is that both jobs are hard, and everyone could use a little understanding.

Share Your Thoughts!

Who do you think should take blood pressures—CNAs or nurses? Leave a comment below or share your funniest healthcare story.

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