I just want a break

Don't smoke but perhaps you could eat your lunch in the car. I have done that in the past and it works. Its a good change of scenery and you're sure to be left alone.

I loved my previous job that had a lock on nurses lounge with a combination that was changed every once in a while. Non-employees couldn't barge in and bother you. How do they expect a person with a mouth full of food to answer anyway?

that always bothered me about our MSP floor. no break room. You take breaks in the cafeteria with all the family members. most are curtiouse enough to let you break in pece...but not all!

I know how it feels to just want a break sometimes. I am on vacation right now and it's going by so fast. Im only a CNA, and there is no time in the day to take a lunch break, so I just have a snack here and there. I have to take residents out for smokes twice in the shift, and this includes dressing them, getting them out of bed, and putting their coats, gloves, hat and scarves on. Then I take them outside in the freezing cold and light their cigarettes, most of them smoke two in a row, it is so exausting, and takes about 45-60 min out of my shift, so that is considered my break because I don't really have time to take my own break. It gets really tiring to have to go through all that, and then have to get them back in and back into bed and undressed
(I work 3-11). Not to mention all the time I waste when they ring every 5-10 min asking if it is time yet for their next cigarette. Then when I actually get a break once in a while, all the residents ring and keep asking everyone where I went and they want to see me when I come back from break. I have been on my skilled/rehab unit for the past four years, everyone has gotten used to me always being there and knowing what they want, Im flattered that they like me so much, but sometimes enough is enough. Some of them even refuse their showers if im off that day, so I can do it when im on, so I get stuck with 2-3 days worth of showers. I love my unit, everyone says that I have spoiled them. I really am thinking about asking for a unit switch because I am physically exausted. Now I am in pain all the time, I need to have a surgery done to my right leg again because of being on my feet too much. Well at least I get these little vacations once in a while. I do love my job and I love taking care and helping people, I just have to learn to take care of myself too sometimes, because im important too.

I cant believe the family member came into your breakroom! You should have told them politely that the room is for employees only and you will be there shortly to answer any questions. Maybe you could ask your supervisor to put a lock and code on the door to solve the issue of intruding family members. You deserve to take your break in peace!

Bless you for being such an excellent aide. However, the residents are running you ragged with this cigarette business. Shame on management for allowing them to do it. Yes, please take care of yourself.

One of the most peaceful breaks I ever had was in the room of a patient who had recentlly passed. The tech didn't want to come in to do post mortem care until her friend got off break to help her (and provide moral support). The family wasn't due in for a few hours (they were at work, this was their aunt who was 99, no need to hurry!) so I had a lovely time enjoying the peace and quiet and catching up on my charting. The patient made absolutely no demands at all. ;-)


Oldiebutgoodie

I've worked in many places where the staff 'lounge' was so small and so hard to find no family member would dare venture to find it. I worked in one place with a beautiful staff lounge. For some reason various family members thought it was their right to sit there or smoke in the staff smoking area. At one point I added the lounge to my rounds of the building. If I saw any family members in there I would politely remind them that it was a STAFF break room and the staff were entitled to some uninterruptedtime away from the units. One lady threatened to call the DPH on me. I handed her the number and told her she could call any one she wanted including the State Labor Board and the corporate offices, but unless she wanted to fill out an application and start working for me, she'd have to leave the room. Everyone is entitled to a break away from the floor. You need it to take a minute and relax. If you think you can't get away from the floor, call your supervisor to come watch the floor while you eat in peace.