CNA BURNOUT

[Janis Joplin]

I quit my job as a cna, Dec 2...I felt a huge sense or relief upon doing so. I was there for ten years

I was working on the ''behavioural floor'' for two years..and I made so many realizations of how the place was managed, or lack there of.

Working with broken lifts, being told to use a sling for a sit stand lift, that was broken, being yelled at by the don bc I was intentionally hurting the resident by using the sling the proper way...

Residents wearing the cheapest of diapers, that ripped all of the time, not having diapers and having to go to the store to buy some, while Mangement gets tv's in their offices, as well as new office furniture. Using up the governments money by year end..it was a harsh environment, that I am free of, yet the place still upsets me

Rn's, that just got hired, running to the don with something they thought that heard me say, being threatened all of the time..''you're going to be fired next time you're in my office''..I lived in fear for years.

I never went on stress leave, as many had, b/c they never returned..

I reported an rn for running around 2nd floor with a huge nerf gun, shooting people, cna's, I was told by the don that ''she was probably just trying to lighten things up up there''.this same rn gave a resident the wrong amount of insulin and he went into diabetic shock..she didnt get reprimanded..

BREATHE LOL

I hope to get into another nursing home . The one that I left does not have a good reputation. As a matter of fact most of the new residents are coming from other nursing homes out of town. No more locals..it is very strange

I also noticed where family members took their family member to other, better nursing homes, only to want their family member back where to I worked, bc we did things beyond what other nursing homes would even consider

I think I need to get my upsetness out in a journal..

I feel so badly for the residents that are there. Falling all the time, while doing exercises with physio, becoming wheelchair bound...

It was not a health care setting at all.. Even the head of Union asked me ''why do you even want to work there?"

Sorry for the rant

[Missingyou, CNA]

FInd out who the ombudsman is and express your concerns. Someone needs to speak up for the residents. You don't have to give your name.

[rosey200735]

Have you contacted the state about this place? Tell them your concerns.

[Janis Joplin]

Sorry...I just saw your message now. I think that it is in the best interests of the residents, for me to be their voice. Does the ombudsman visit the institution? How is this type of complaint investigated?

[Missingyou, CNA]

yes, the ombudsman visits the insititutions. Usually about once a month to give residents/family members/visitors the opportunity to express concerns.

NORC - Locate an Ombudsman and State Agencies. :: Locate an Ombudsman This link will help help you find your state's ombudsman and your local ombudsman. It is a link that I found on the Administration On Aging government (USA)website.

[MohinjoDaro]

They definitely do. While they are suppose to function as a mediator for residents and staff, they are more concerned about the residents. I see nothing wrong with ombudsmans speaking for residents. Personally, I really wouldn't even contact the ombudsman. I'd go straight to the state. I can't believe you used a broken lift! You can kill a resident like that. I would have just said "No". It is neglectful to say the least am im sure in some ways illegal! They "legally wouldn't be able to fire you are any craziness like that. I am so sad that you quit after having ten years under your belt. I know things are never really "perfect" in LTCF's but what you went through was terrible. I wish you the best of luck *(and would blow the whistle reguardless [Not out of spite, but b/c those residents need to be protected! That could be yours or my Mom/Grandma one day!!!])

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am so sorry to hear about your working in a toxic environment, but remember you are an advocate for those residents, and I agree this needs to be reported. Give yourself some time to breath and then write everything down factually without emotion. Too much of the wrong emotion can negate the reality of what has occurred, try to be neutral when approaching this. When you leave a place it is always difficult because you are concerned for those you left behind, this is your opportunity to get the word to the right people. Go forth and concur and find yourself a new challenge that can rejuvenate you and reminds you why you chose this wonderful field.