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How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?



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No. 20
from dnp2004
Old Apr 19, 2009, 04:34 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Originally Posted by Thankfulnurse View Post
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?
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No. 21
Old Apr 19, 2009, 05:06 AM
Updated Apr 19, 2009 at 05:12 AM by achot chavi

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
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
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No. 22
from texastaz
Old Apr 19, 2009, 05:46 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
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.
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No. 23
from dnp2004
Old Apr 19, 2009, 06:38 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
You could not even get away with acting like that at a convenience store.
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No. 24
from arelle68
Old Apr 21, 2009, 11:17 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Thank you all so very much for your replies to me. I'll tell you haw this went. When I got in yesterday, I requested a meeting. Another staff nurse was in charge, so she called the Director of Education in for support. (This is not the first time a nurse has had trouble with this CNA.) I took the CNA to her office and sat her down. She was really nervous, and asking questions, which I refused to answer. When we got to the door, I said, "I want you to remember that I love you."
The Director of Education let me say just what I've told you, and let her defend herself on each point. The DOE sided with me, and told her that we don't do reality orientation. The CNA denied laughing at the resident, and denied saying to her, "You're family brought you here and left you." I told her that that is what I had heard, and that I never wanted to hear anything like that again. My voice was very soft. The Lord was helping me.
I brought up the issues of her challenges to my authority. She attacked me back. I apologized for what I did that she perceived as rude. The DOE took up for me, and reminded her that I was the supervisor.
The shift went along nicely. The CNA was smiley and sweet as an angel. The other CNAs did what I told them without giving me trouble or running to the CNA who thought she was in charge to get it changed. I was able to focus, and get more of my work done. It worked out well, and I'm so glad the management supported me.
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No. 25
Old Apr 21, 2009, 11:59 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
You did great- like I wrote, speak softly....just be cautious with this CNA, all conversations with witnesses, etc.
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No. 26
from ktwlpn
Old Apr 21, 2009, 04:02 PM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Good advice-she sounds like the type to sit back and look for ways to hang you-don't give her any ammo..... Why don't you look into some inservices for your staff? Your local chapter of the Alzheimer's assoc. can recommend some material and probably has a facilitator who mighr come to your facility to sepak to staff. You have the chance to make a positive impact on these residents-you can change the culture of the unit and really improve the quality of your resident's lives.Use this experience as a springboard of learning and growing....
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No. 27
Old Apr 21, 2009, 11:29 PM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Good job!!!!
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No. 28
from CITCAT
Old Apr 22, 2009, 12:27 AM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Gee I would take this in a different approach, first I would document all convertsations in a small notepad and then i would go to unit manager and discuss this with her,this cena sounds like she needs inservicing in reality orientation/behavior modification the latest trends/ in alz care and redirection , sounds like shes burning out and maybe needs to be transfered to another floor. Oh is this ltc unionized if so you may have to let this sit in the hands of the unit manager or adon/don Also the legal ramifications regarding age discrimmnation is a factor and also, Better to retrain so as to retain the woamn has a lot of years experience,how about a postion as team leader?As far as bon goes duh, only if she kills someone,with malice of intent physical. verbal abuse cases very seldom hold water when investigated and then I big can of worms could be opened up, Be carefull and judicuous with advisement to terminate the raminfications could be extrememly unpleasant . Good luck to you
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No. 29
from Moogie
Old Apr 25, 2009, 03:00 PM

Default Re: How do you deal with an insensitive CNA?
Originally Posted by arelle68 View Post
Thank you all so very much for your replies to me. I'll tell you haw this went. When I got in yesterday, I requested a meeting. Another staff nurse was in charge, so she called the Director of Education in for support. (This is not the first time a nurse has had trouble with this CNA.) I took the CNA to her office and sat her down. She was really nervous, and asking questions, which I refused to answer. When we got to the door, I said, "I want you to remember that I love you."
The Director of Education let me say just what I've told you, and let her defend herself on each point. The DOE sided with me, and told her that we don't do reality orientation. The CNA denied laughing at the resident, and denied saying to her, "You're family brought you here and left you." I told her that that is what I had heard, and that I never wanted to hear anything like that again. My voice was very soft. The Lord was helping me.
I brought up the issues of her challenges to my authority. She attacked me back. I apologized for what I did that she perceived as rude. The DOE took up for me, and reminded her that I was the supervisor.
The shift went along nicely. The CNA was smiley and sweet as an angel. The other CNAs did what I told them without giving me trouble or running to the CNA who thought she was in charge to get it changed. I was able to focus, and get more of my work done. It worked out well, and I'm so glad the management supported me.
Wow! What an amazing way to deal with a difficult problem!

All too often, when we nurses encounter hostility in our co-workers, we react with hostility. I admit I've been caught in that trap myself. Your approach was brilliant and inspired.

Thanks for posting this. I will keep you in my mind and in my heart Monday morning.
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