This is my first job as a CNA, I've worked at the same LTC for a little over a year now. It started off difficult for me because it was my first job like this but not because the facility was difficult.
I know we often post about working short handed and the challenges of that. I work at night, so working short(er than normal) doesn't happen on my shift because we are already very few staff. But what I do want to know is how many places run with short or NO supplies?
In the last few months, I've had to work with no appropriate briefs for the big residents (and highly incontinent, change 6 times a night residents!), only one bag of briefs in 10 rooms, no small briefs for the tiny residents (now we only have XL). And my favorite, no gloves

I am NOT going to change people barehanded, for so many reasons. Supplies like wipes and periwash I consider luxuries, when we don't have basics to start with. THis last week, we had 2 residents with contact precautions. With one, it was gown, mask and face shield. We only had gowns in the building and only a few of those. Another required face masks and of course, we had none of those either. Fortunately those weren't on my hall or I would have refused unless proper gear was provided. And I'm SURE that would have caused a ruckus. Oh and the ostomy residents... we had NO supplies for them when state was here. One aide literally taped a garbage can liner to the barrier and left it because that was ALL we had.
My nurses all say it's like this everywhere. And that if I think this is bad, I should see how it is other places. My question is is it REALLY like this where you work too? Short staff, I understand. Short supplies, I really don't get. The thing is we have a new supply girl who management thinks is doing a bang up job. They don't hear anything else and we've all tried to get this through, that there is a problem. This job also includes staff scheduling, which she is equally bad at. It's almost worthy of a separate post to talk about calling in sick procedures but for now, lets say that it is not working.
So tell me, is this kind of stuff a problem where you work? There are other reasons I'm considering a change but I'm really curious about this stuff. My nurses know I'm a nursing student and seem to take great delight in telling me how awful it is everywhere. I know new nurses don't have it easy but good lord, it can't be as bad as they make it out or NO one would do this!
editing to add other things we have run out of and management thinks is not a big deal:
Tylenol. Who runs out of THAT in any kind of medical facility!
Tube feeding. It's not like you can stuff McDonalds down that tube!
Urinals. staff had to go to walgreens to get one
lots more I can't think off the top of my head
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