Looking for Pointers from Current CNAs

Tish, thanks for the advice on how to deal with people who are gossiping. Now I know how I can skip out of a situation like that with using some excuse to leave the gathering, and thus avoid being rude in the process.

And Mimib, thanks so much for the link on the thread you started called “Advice for New CNAs”. I just printed that out and will keep referring to it. Wow, talk about a cornucopia of valid suggestions and great pointers!!

I suppose the thing that concerns me the most are the mechanical transfers with extremely obese residents. What if there aren’t any co-workers available because they’re busy with other residents? Should someone just wait until an aide is freed up to help? I wouldn’t want to hurt myself trying to do it all by myself and, of course, wouldn’t attempt doing that alone.

Another question I have is regarding violent residents. Some of the posts I’ve read in the other forums mentioned that some residents could become physically violent, using either their hands or blunt objects to attack people. Just how prevalent is this? And is there any way one can protect her or himself from an attack without hurting the patient?

Another thing that was mentioned in #1 of the list is the new employee that started crying because she said “it’s just too gross”. Was it the smell or the look of the feces that grossed her out? I thought that in NA courses they prepared students for things like cleaning BMs, changing wet pads, wiping up vomit, and other things. I suppose, too, I wonder what, if anything, you can do to block out the various smells. The thing that comes to my mind is breathing through the mouth, but perhaps that’s not a good idea?

I know I have many questions, but as #1 of the list stated, one should go in with realistic expectations. I just want to be as realistically prepared as possible. Thanks again for all the pointers and suggestions!

[quote=fuzzywuzzy;3721995]Really? I've been pinched, scratched, slapped, punched, kicked, spit on, bitten, verbally attacked, had my hair pulled, my clothes pulled, my arms twisted, the shower sprayer turned on me, and things thrown at my head! And that's if I didn't forget and leave something out... lol.

Really though, only about 2 out of every 10 residents is combative, in my experience, but it depends on your facility. I think usually people are more behaved on day shift, generally speaking.


Wow, I'm really sorry you've had to endure so much, being attacked both verbally and physically on such a scale. Two out of ten residents (20%) is quite a bit of resident to aide abuse, especially if it's on a daily basis. If they are exploding do such a degree as pulling hair, twisting arms, and throwing things at one's head, it seems they need psychiatric evaluation and treatment. As much as I would love to help people who are in a state of physical incapacity, I don't want to be a recipient of constant abuse such as that, especially if there was no way I am allowed to defend myself. Mimib mentioned that that didn't happen too much to her and on rare occasions, and that I would have been able to live with. Perhaps I should purse another route and complete my MS in Clinical Psychology, and focus on the mental health of Geriatric citizens who are in dire need of counseling and treatment. I've already completed my BA in Psychology, and it would only take me 2 years to complete my MS degree.

Thanks for sharing what your experience has been with abuse in your facility. Once again, I'm sorry you have to go through so much. It's giving me much food for thought, and so I decided I probably won't pursue the CNA route. Anything else like cleaning up these poor people, feeding them and giving them hope is one thing, but having to endure physical abuse without any protection is another thing. I endured that as a child from my stepfather, and I just can't put myself in an environment where there aren't any limitations from particular residents who seem to be mentally instable.

Thanks again for your pointers and your advice, and to everyone else on this thread who gave honest and valuable information. You all have good hearts and care so much for people, and I take my hat off to you. I so wanted to emulate you all but, as I said, I can't and/or won't allow myself to be physically abused again, even if it is from elderly, sick people.

Blessings and a good life to you all . . . You all are truly Angels in my book.

Tish, thanks for your kind words which I do appreciate. It's interesting what you said about doing whatever you set your mind to. Pursuing the CNA route was something I truly wanted to do for quite some time now. Since I last posted, I've been doing a lot of thinking, soul searching and praying. I talked with my husband about all the pros and cons of pursuing this profession, and he said that this has been a passion of mine for a long time now, and that I should at least go through the training and try it for a while. He is absolutely right about that. I'm now making $24 an hour on my current job and have benefits, but for some reason I'm compelled to go into health care and do something for people who are incapacited and have no hope. I would be taking quite a cut in pay, but to me it's not about money - it's about reaching out and helping the needy and the desperate.

I've reasoned that there is the chance that some of the residents could erupt and lash out (even physically) but I'm willing to take that chance and let the chips fall where they may fall. I cannot let the abuse of the past with my stepfather stop me from pursuing something I've been wanting to do for such a long time.

So . . . after some more reading and research as to the CNA training programs available in community colleges and elsewhere, I've decided to go through the Red Cross for NA training that they offer throughout the year. I'm planning on attending one of their meetings in August, and taking a skills test that is required and one in which I would need to receive at least an 80% to be admitted. Their program is quite intense in that it is completed in 28 days. People attend classes M-F, 8-4:30 for the lectures and 7-3:30 for the clinicals. The Red Cross does charge considerably more say than an ROP or community colleges, but you can get in faster and complete the training in a shorter amount of time.

Anyway . . . I'm going to go with the flow and take it one day at a time. Later, if I'm so led, I can continue on with the LVN route or even something called S.C.A.N. that some universities offer for people who already have bachelor degrees in other than nursing. My overall GPA is 3.86, so that should help me in getting into that program and getting my MSN in Nursing. And, of course, there is always the MS in Clinical Psychology if I so choose. The thing is this: I will at least be giving things a shot - even though trying new things can be scary and even risky. But it's better than just thinking about it and later regretting that I didn't pursue something that I always dreamed about doing. Life has no guarantees, and there will always be risks no matter what one chooses in life!

But Tish, what you said about doing whatever you set your mind to really spoke volumes to me. You are right and wise in what you say. Thanks again for the encouragement and you uplifting words!

{{{hugs}}} Dream Girl

Mimib, it helps me a lot to know that the violent one have medication that calms them down. I was wondering about that, especially since it can not only put staff at risk, but also other patients and visitors at risk. So . . . that is a good thing to know! I suppose I can take an occasional hit, but then I'm good at blocking! LOL I took Tae Kwon Do for a few years and learned not only blocking techniques, but also how to move out of the way if I see something moving full speed, even at a distance! I will just be more alert so as to try to avoid being hit, kicked or whatever!

Thanks for the pointer with the alcohol swab under the nose. I'll keep that in mind as well. Also thanks for saying that you all have been new at one time or another! That can be tough especially when you want to do things the right way, and be the best that you can be! I look forward to continuing to read the valuable posts on here from other CNAs, and gleaning even more information and effective ways of treating and caring for pts.

I appreciate ALL your advice and pointers.