CNA short staff, who can I go to?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

I have recently started working as a CNA, It is my first job. Today was suppose to be my 4th day of training instead I ended up alone on a hall. I had 20 residents total. I had 4 individuals on geriatric chairs, 11 level 3 assisted. I had 2 patients who i didnt even get the time to change in my shift. I was so busy, running back and forth, answering call lights etc. It is ridiculous because the lack of staff has led to low quality of care. Legally there is suppose to be 7 residents per care taker, in my facility they include the LPN, Nuses and Med aid but none of the above will lift a finger to help a CNA, not for bms or lifts. I am just so overwhelmed i need advice, Who should i talk to? Nurses wont help.

I am not ready to quit since i feel i owe to my residents to do as much as possible. I know i make them happy. I talk to them, I treat them with respect I don't just do! i ask. I tell them what is happening. I feel i make a difference in the very short time i am in there. There is absolutely no abuse from the other cna's, I just feel they feel they have to move quick to get everything done that the job is lousy. I really don't like whats happening.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Legally there is suppose to be 7 residents per care taker
I seriously doubt any such law exists. California is the only state in the union that has legally mandated ratios, and still, they only apply to licensed staff working in acute care hospitals.

Understaffing is a hallmark of working in LTC facilities. You can feel free to place an anonymous phone call to your state's regulatory agency to report the situation, but keep in mind that the situation will not change after state surveyors have left the building.

Understaffing helps to keep the facility profitable at the expense of the residents. Compassion is not efficient. Nursing homes have been understaffed long before you entered healthcare, and as long as Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates remain low, LTC will continue to be understaffed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NH Regs Plus

Several states do, but oklahoma doesnt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment