[Cute_CNA]

Originally Posted by chadash

The first post reminded me of a patient in a long term care facility. He could no longer communicate, drooled heavy secretions incessantly, had a feeding tube. I was working in housekeeping and went into his room to clean. It was 11 am, and he was totally soaked from the feeding tube that became detached, and also apparently from a very wet diaper. I called for his nursing assistant, who looked at the poor man, who was shivering from being cold, and she said "That's night shift's fault", left the room and did not come back. I waited thinking she had gone for supplies, I told the nurses, but it was apparent he was not going to get help. I went to get supplies to do it myself, but was told that I would be breaking regulations (they were right) so finally I stood in the hall way and said" I will not clean any rooms until this man gets help!" The strangest thing happened, this man who rarely made a peep, made a sound and when I looked at him, he smiled at me. He died two days later.

That is so sad that she couldn't even try to make that man comfortable while he was dying, just because it wasn't her responsibility somehow. Shame on her.

[Jessy_RN]

That is such a wonderful project. I hope we get to do something similar in our program.

[chadash]

Originally Posted by Cute_CNA

That is so sad that she couldn't even try to make that man comfortable while he was dying, just because it wasn't her responsibility somehow. Shame on her.

You are right. She had been there since 7 am and was admitting to me that she had not touched the patient since the night shift left 3 or so hours earlier. As a result of this and other LTC experiences I will never let my Mom or inlaws ever go to a nursing home.
The sad thing is, how can you help but love these patients? I know that because of understaffing I have been remiss in my care, but to not care, I just don't get it..
By the way, I like the name "cute CNA". Mine should be "cute though very old CNA'
I am glad there are Nursing assistants out there like you...

[Angels']

The people we work with and those that we care for can give the most unexpected and special moments. This is one of the many reasons that I have enjoyed my work, and will work towards my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.

Thank you for sharing these special moments.
Angels’