Bossy CNA's in LTC(long)

bon149 · Jan 18, 2005

I have to say that after reading these posts I feel so lucky to be working with the CNA's that I do. Even the CNA's who get on my nerves or need reminders are not this bad. Yes sometimes I do have to follow up and remind some of them to do thier work but usually it has to do with cleaning up rooms, making beds etc. Rarely do I have to get on someone about patient care. I work in a small facility (80 beds) and and I am in charge of 40 patients. I usually have 4 or 5 CNA's and a resident aide on the floor with me. These girls are wonderful. We all take pride in how our residents look and in the fact that thier needs are met. We are all there for the residents and when we have a cna that isn't she doesn't last long. I will say that all of my CNA's are bossy, some more than others but usually they are bossy when it is in the patients best intrest. I respect them tremendously and ask thier opinions often in dealing with my patients because they spend more up close and personal time with the patients. My CNA's return that respect. I have worked with a lot of LPN's in my 15 yrs as a nurse and one of my biggest complaints about us is that too often we hide behind the desk. Supervising is out job but we also need to know the job we are supervising.

Very lucky nurse,

Bon

Plagueis · Jan 18, 2005

After reading these posts about CNAs, I am worried about pursuing that particular job. I am currently looking into becoming a CNA, and looking forward to starting nursing school in a couple of years. I can't believe the behavior of some of the CNAs that I'm reading about. I am not really familiar with exactly what CNAs are supposed to do, so I am worried about overstepping my bounds when I start my CNA job. The CNA program here doesn't train for vital signs, or offer CPR, and I know that CNAs aren't supposed to give medicatations. I also read that they apparently don't get paid very much, though I don't know what they usually earn. All I want to do is help people feel better, which is why I want to become a CNA, and eventually a nurse. I can't imagine yelling at a nurse, or trying to act like a nurse, if I'm not trained as one. However, it does seems like a tough job. I am sure that there are nice CNAs who really care about patients. Are these CNA experiences that I'm reading about really typical?

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Jan 18, 2005

Are these CNA experiences that I'm reading about really typical?

I hate to say it, but yes.

Plagueis · Jan 20, 2005

All I can say is that I hope that I don't try to perform any skills that I wasn't trained for when I become a CNA. It seems like there's confusion because different states have different policies about what it is that CNAs are actually responsible for. I've reads numerous posts on this site that says some CNAs pass meds, but other don't. Some CNAs say that they chart and assist with procedures, but others don't. There doesn't appear to be a uniform standard for what skills and duties CNAs are supposed to perform.

LPN1974, LPN · Jan 25, 2005

To the CNA above who just said "lay off of them" because of CNA's like I just mentioned in my post above, I prefer to work without CNA's. I'll be done with school in a year and I'm going to an ICU position to avoid having a CNA. I much rather be responsible for the total care than spend half of my shift following an adult to make sure they've done thier job. Now I'm not slamming on the good CNA's there are some. But they seem to be few and far between. For every one great CNA there are 10 bad ones. It's a horrible feeling to have a great time during the down time of the shift with your cna and an hour later realize she made up most of your I&O's. I just rather do it all myself. Then if something is wrong, or not done there is only one person to blame.

I think you have a good plan.

That's why I like where I work. We have an equivalent to a CNA, ours are LSTs. And, thank Almighty God, I do not have to supervise them. They have their own department and their own supervisors.

The nurses give advice concerning our residents, as far as medical advice, and they are expected to take it, and if they don't, they can be written up, but I don't have to do any supervising. If they aren't doing their work it isn't me who has to get on to them about it.

Sometimes I see the lazy ones sitting around watching tv, but I don't have to do a thing about it. It's not my responsibility.

That's why I dislike the nursing homes so much.

LPN1974, LPN · Jan 25, 2005

To the CNA above who just said "lay off of them" because of CNA's like I just mentioned in my post above, I prefer to work without CNA's. I'll be done with school in a year and I'm going to an ICU position to avoid having a CNA. I much rather be responsible for the total care than spend half of my shift following an adult to make sure they've done thier job. Now I'm not slamming on the good CNA's there are some. But they seem to be few and far between. For every one great CNA there are 10 bad ones. It's a horrible feeling to have a great time during the down time of the shift with your cna and an hour later realize she made up most of your I&O's. I just rather do it all myself. Then if something is wrong, or not done there is only one person to blame.

I think you have a good plan.

That's why I like where I work. We have an equivalent to a CNA, ours are LSTs. And, thank Almighty God, I do not have to supervise them. They have their own department and their own supervisors.

The nurses give advice concerning our residents, as far as medical advice, and they are expected to take it, and if they don't, they can be written up, but I don't have to do any supervising. If they aren't doing their work it isn't me who has to get on to them about it.

Sometimes I see the lazy ones sitting around watching tv, but I don't have to do a thing about it. It's not my responsibility.

That's why I dislike the nursing homes so much.

lindymarie · Jan 25, 2005

Hey all, I need some advice. I am an LPN working a skilled rehab unit in LTC. i recently joined the company so I am new to them, but have been a nurse for nearly 6 years. Yesterday, I had a floating CNA on my wing, she was not used to the pace and routine of our unit and was struggling to keep up, so I asked one of the regular CNA's to give her a hand(the regula CNA only had three pts.!!!) i explaines to her that the other CNA was falling behind and was getting frustrated. She TOLD me in a rude tone of voice that" I gave her report this morning and I TOLD her, if she needs help to ask". I then said to her that I was asking for her. She proceeded with "WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU !!!!" I was appalled! :angryfire Our unit treatment nurse was within ear shot and so was another CNA. I walked away at that time because I knew if I said anything at that point I would blow up! Also this CNA has been counseled for her tone of voice to pts. In my opinion, if she speaks to ME this way, how is she really speaking to the residents? I need advice on how to approach someone with this attitude, make my point and ensure that I am taking the correct action. PLEASE HELP!!

Sometimes there is no way to talk to some one with that type of attitude. I have been working as a C.N.A for the past ten years. I have worked in LTC, HH, and for staffing agencies. On the whole I have found that many, not all C.N.A's are very unwilling to assist anyone. I worked with two that would team together, run down the hall, do a round in in 20 minutes and disappear. They would tell me if I needed help just to let them know. First I would have had to of found them. If I did find them their attitudes were so deplorable that I rather struggle along by myself. In weighing out the situation and with much thought I finally came to the decision that the problem with their attitude was a total lack of respect for themselves. That being the case I realized there was no way they could respect anyone else. Our charge nurse was a very kind and caring woman. She was aware of what was going on.She said nothing to them, but did however tell me she was afraid to say anything because they might quit, and that some aides were better than no aides. I told her not to worry about it and went on about my own business. We can only be responsible for our own behavior. Aides like the two I was talking about and the one you are talking about usually aren't around for very long The girl you are talking about is her own worse enemy. If my experiences from the past hold true, it won't be to long before the other aides run her off

with their own little chain of command....LOL

lindymarie · Jan 25, 2005

Hey all, I need some advice. I am an LPN working a skilled rehab unit in LTC. i recently joined the company so I am new to them, but have been a nurse for nearly 6 years. Yesterday, I had a floating CNA on my wing, she was not used to the pace and routine of our unit and was struggling to keep up, so I asked one of the regular CNA's to give her a hand(the regula CNA only had three pts.!!!) i explaines to her that the other CNA was falling behind and was getting frustrated. She TOLD me in a rude tone of voice that" I gave her report this morning and I TOLD her, if she needs help to ask". I then said to her that I was asking for her. She proceeded with "WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU !!!!" I was appalled! :angryfire Our unit treatment nurse was within ear shot and so was another CNA. I walked away at that time because I knew if I said anything at that point I would blow up! Also this CNA has been counseled for her tone of voice to pts. In my opinion, if she speaks to ME this way, how is she really speaking to the residents? I need advice on how to approach someone with this attitude, make my point and ensure that I am taking the correct action. PLEASE HELP!!

Sometimes there is no way to talk to some one with that type of attitude. I have been working as a C.N.A for the past ten years. I have worked in LTC, HH, and for staffing agencies. On the whole I have found that many, not all C.N.A's are very unwilling to assist anyone. I worked with two that would team together, run down the hall, do a round in in 20 minutes and disappear. They would tell me if I needed help just to let them know. First I would have had to of found them. If I did find them their attitudes were so deplorable that I rather struggle along by myself. In weighing out the situation and with much thought I finally came to the decision that the problem with their attitude was a total lack of respect for themselves. That being the case I realized there was no way they could respect anyone else. Our charge nurse was a very kind and caring woman. She was aware of what was going on.She said nothing to them, but did however tell me she was afraid to say anything because they might quit, and that some aides were better than no aides. I told her not to worry about it and went on about my own business. We can only be responsible for our own behavior. Aides like the two I was talking about and the one you are talking about usually aren't around for very long The girl you are talking about is her own worse enemy. If my experiences from the past hold true, it won't be to long before the other aides run her off

with their own little chain of command....LOL

lindymarie · Jan 25, 2005

I hate to say it, but yes.

You are so right. The work in a LTC is stressing, tiring and backbreaking. Unfortunately it only takes one or two who are not pulling their weight. I could give you a list of horror stories about abuse, neglect, and just plain laziness. I have seen water withheld by some with the rationale that it would cut down on the work. I have filled water pitchers for every resident in the facility by myself because the two other aides I was working with stated that it was just a waste of time, that nobody drank it anway. Well, did they ever think to pick the pitcher up and offer fluids to anyone? I have seen residents pushed, shoved, and forced to bite their own arms. Did I report the incidents? Yes, I did. Did it do any good? No it didn't. Excuses were made and I was deemed a trouble maker. I came on to shift, had a resident tell me he had fallen the shift before. He told me his wrist was hurting. It was obviously displaced. I went to my charge nurse. Mind you I was with this man everyday.The nurse stated nothing was said in report. I told her the area was swollen, discolored, and that the resident was c/o severe pain at the site. She went to the room with me, looked at his arm, and said nothing is wrong with it. He laid there for two days. I waited for the charge nurse from the next shift, quietly asked her to look at it. At that time I didn't know she and the other nurse were best friends. The next day they went to the office and reported me stating that I was trying to take on nursing responsibilities. I was written up. The man spent 3 months in a soft cast and brace. Needless to say I moved on. My heart and mind couldn't take anymore. Boy it felt good just now to finally vent that! Thanks for listening.... :crying2:

lindymarie · Jan 25, 2005

I hate to say it, but yes.

You are so right. The work in a LTC is stressing, tiring and backbreaking. Unfortunately it only takes one or two who are not pulling their weight. I could give you a list of horror stories about abuse, neglect, and just plain laziness. I have seen water withheld by some with the rationale that it would cut down on the work. I have filled water pitchers for every resident in the facility by myself because the two other aides I was working with stated that it was just a waste of time, that nobody drank it anway. Well, did they ever think to pick the pitcher up and offer fluids to anyone? I have seen residents pushed, shoved, and forced to bite their own arms. Did I report the incidents? Yes, I did. Did it do any good? No it didn't. Excuses were made and I was deemed a trouble maker. I came on to shift, had a resident tell me he had fallen the shift before. He told me his wrist was hurting. It was obviously displaced. I went to my charge nurse. Mind you I was with this man everyday.The nurse stated nothing was said in report. I told her the area was swollen, discolored, and that the resident was c/o severe pain at the site. She went to the room with me, looked at his arm, and said nothing is wrong with it. He laid there for two days. I waited for the charge nurse from the next shift, quietly asked her to look at it. At that time I didn't know she and the other nurse were best friends. The next day they went to the office and reported me stating that I was trying to take on nursing responsibilities. I was written up. The man spent 3 months in a soft cast and brace. Needless to say I moved on. My heart and mind couldn't take anymore. Boy it felt good just now to finally vent that! Thanks for listening.... :crying2:

FocusRN · Jan 25, 2005

Haning been a CNA in LTC, I can tell you this, some people just have a sucky attitude, and others have a problem with LPNs because of how they were once treated by one, and just carry that on to every other nurse. You did the right thing so don't worry. Like they always say don't sweat the small stuff. But do talk to the ADON or DON, about what you think may be going on with pts.

FocusRN · Jan 25, 2005

Haning been a CNA in LTC, I can tell you this, some people just have a sucky attitude, and others have a problem with LPNs because of how they were once treated by one, and just carry that on to every other nurse. You did the right thing so don't worry. Like they always say don't sweat the small stuff. But do talk to the ADON or DON, about what you think may be going on with pts.