How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I'm a new registered nurse, I work on an Alzheimer's unit. There is a CNA who is being repeatedly scheduled on my shift, and to tell you the truth, I just don't know what to do with her. She is way older than me, and has been a CNA since I was 8 or something. She feels like she is firmly in charge of the unit, and tells the other CNAs what to do, when to take breaks, and when to go home, and then loudly informs me of her decision.

What concerns me the most is the way she treats the residents. When my one my residents was talking about her husband, the CNA informed her quite flatly, and publicly that her husband was dead. This made my resident cry. Later, the resident was talking about her home and family, and the CNA told her, "You're not home. You're in a nursing home. Your family brought you here and left you." The resident started to really cry then, and say, "My family would never do that to me!" "Well, they did!" is what the CNA said back, and laughed. My resident was distraught by this time, and so was I.

Later, this same CNA ignored me while I was desperately trying to get her attention to get her to get up and put a walker in front of a wondering resident who is a fall risk. She was chatting it up with the girl from housekeeping. I finally shouted at her to get her attention. I never shout at anyone. I didn't know I had it in me, and I shocked myself. It still feels hot in my chest. It gave me a headache.

I am frusterated. Please give me advise on what to do about this.

Just so you know, CNA's DON'T have a license..they are certified nurses' aides not licensed ones. But I get your point.

Actually they are licensed in many States, including mine.

Specializes in Pyschiatry/Behavioral (Inpatient).

Snitch her out to the boss, that kind of talk to the patients is very inappropriate.

Specializes in CV Surgical, ICU.
Wow, i'm glad that i don't work with any of you all. You guys are quick to want to fire some one.

When the issue is flat out verbal/emotional abuse, I would sure hope the staff acts hastily. Abuse is inexcusable.

That is far from being insensitive, anyone with half a brain and a conscience who truly cares for the residents would never make them cry like that by bluntly speaking to them in such a manner. If I were sitting next to one of my relatives and an aide coldly told them their husband was dead (knowing fully well that this person obviously didn't know this, otherwise they wouldn't be asking) and they began to cry like that. I'd be taking it to the highest authority.

Deliberately saying something that you know will upset them (and on more than one occasion?!), and then laughing about it?

That is just as barbaric as slapping them in the face.

Would you honestly want someone who obviously has no regard for people's feelings, and is so cold and uncaring, to be working for you?

:twocents:

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Verbal abuse like that is grounds for immediate dismissal at my facility. I always wonder what a person like that is capable of behind closed doors -I believe she would not hesitate to cross over into physical abuse if she has not done so yet.It often starts like this- verbal abuse then uneccessary roughness turns into flat out abuse...Report this-document exactly what you saw and heard and make 2 copies-1 for your DON and 1 to keep....Check your facilities administrative policies,too.Mine are very clear regarding this type of behavior but you almost always need collaboration.Start the paper trail-she is going to dig her own hole...

How would you feel if your mother was being treated this way?

contact the ombudsman, im sure the hotline number is posted somewhere in your facility, i cant stand cnas abusing the elderly! When I worked as a CNA the obudsman numbers where everywhere.

Actually they are licensed in many States, including mine.

Mine too.

Specializes in Emergency Room.

there is at least one bully on every floor/unit. she does this because she can. don't let her bully you or your pt's. her behavior is inappropriate and she needs to know that. of course when you confront people like this they try to make your life miserable, but she can only do what you let her. take notes and of course involve management. i know alot of nurses that have quit their jobs over people like this and as long as you fight for your pt's and stand your ground about what is professional and unprofessional behavior she will less likely mess with you.

Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

\speak softly and carry a big stick,

Try not to overreact, it will only blow up in your face.

Document what you have seen and witnessed as abusive behavior, write down other witnesses as well,

Invite the CNA to a meeting, invite your immediate supervisor as well (don't do the meeting without a witness)

Speak softly, dont shout- and start off the meeting explaining the ground rules, you called the meeting as you saw problems with her behavior to the patients, and you dislike her aggressive attitude on the unit as well as her insubordination to her superiors. ( If she lacks respect for her superiors, she certainly lacks respect for her patients...)

You speak first and expect her to listen and then she will have a chance to respond, The purpose of the meeting is to improve communication and quality of care on the units. No one is threatening anyone's position on the unit, the tone must remain respectful.

Stay focused on your goals and be objective when possible.

Expect her to attack your work and when that happens, bring the meeting back to your goals, you may tell her that you called this meeting in order to improve her performance on the unit , if she wants to discuss your's that can be done at a later date.

Make it clear that only you decide assignments and breaks for the CNA's, and you will not tolerate abusive behavior to the patients- verbally or otherwise.

You should also schedule an inservice on abuse. (others will have heard and seen and take example to her behavior).

Keep memos on all meetings and make copies for her personal file.

She is testing you, stay calm and controlled. Expect her to attack back as the best defense is a strong offense. Dont get sucked into defending yourself. It is not her job to supervise you, it is your job to supervise her. When she attacks answer, " I hear you but we are not discussing my job performance at the moment, if you have complaints we can schedule another meeting where I will be happy to listen to all you have to say.

Be open minded and dont paint her into a corner, leave her an opening to maintain her dignity and improve her behavior. Try not to make the meeting personal- focus on improving the behavior.

You have your work cut out for you, but things could improve.

Regarding her age, treat her with the respect she deserves, and expect respect in return. Age is not the issue here.

She doesn't need to be fired. She is used to having her way. Maybe this new nurse can speak with the CNA about her behavior. Then if she continues she can report it to her manager. Then it is up to the manager what is done. Wow, i'm glad that i don't work with any of you all. You guys are quick to want to fire some one.

????????????? Could you please explain why you feel she should not be fired for this type of behavior directed at the elderly patient? Do you think we are too quick to fire the CNA in question?

Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

Unfortunately you have to understand the politics involved, a DON or Administrator is more likely to listen to the seasoned , elderly CNA than a new nurse (unfortunately - sad but true) and its all verbal abuse not physical so the CNA can lie and say she didn;t say it and most likely the other staff are afraid of her and will swear that they didn't hear anything. Or she can say that it was taken out of context and make up stuff against the new nurse.

I have seen it all.

It is not so simple to fire her, you would need proof and witnesses and warnings. Dont forget this is a CNA with many years experience in this facility.

Reacting emotionally to this problem is not going to solve it.

I believe that is why the OP wanted advice on how to deal with it.

Good Luck

I witnessed a number of times on Alzheimer's units were CNAs will tell the patients their spouse is dead and so forth. I think it is cruel. I have had many CNAs tell me that the patient needs to know. I do not have specialized training for Alzheimer's and have no idea what type of training if any the staff has had at this facility. In any event to laugh at a patient and be cruel with remarks is totaly unexceptable. I think there does have to be training provided to the staff and the nurse had the responsibility to not only set the example, make on the spot corrections but also report it to management.

You could not even get away with acting like that at a convenience store.

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