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Hello Fellow CNA's.
Do you guys use CHUX? We used to, but unfortunately management in its infinite wisdom has decided to discontinue using them and I gotta tell you. I'M CHANGING MORE BEDS THAN EVER!!
My LTC is making a big ruckus about the possible health reform proposals coming from Washington, they are using it as an excuse to cut all kinds of programs (obviously to increase the bottom line, imho, of course).
So, what kinda bullcrap is your LTC doing to cut costs? Do you guys still have Chux?
Oh yeah, they started cross-training ALL nursing staff to perform housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry duties. As soon as the housekeepers and maintenance and laundry workers leave for the night, we are expected to take over. There's nothing like mopping all of the floors and scrubbing toilets in between answering call-lights.
Uh, can someone say "infection control??" By the way, we get no extra pay for these extra responsibilities. :grn:
Sorry, I'm just ranting now. :)
We've recently started having to do these tasks too. And this is inbetween rounds, call lights, complete bed changes, 4-6 showers, and "brief shredders". I enjoy ranting about it with you. :) Getting back to the topic of chux: the Alzheimer's unit in our facility is allowed to use them. The rehab unit is not allowed. I believe they have it backwards. Most people on the A-unit can toilet with a one person assist and would prefer toileting even on third shift. The rehab on the other hand... though there are a few independents, and limited assisted residents, most of them are total dependents. However, this is just me ranting about the politics of my facility.
CoffeemateCNA
903 Posts
They always say it's a dignity issue. Personally, I think it's a common sense issue. It's all ridiculous. Yes, let's let them get so wet that urine is dripping off of the bed and soaking their hair. Their bedding will be so sopping wet it's like their sleeping in a swimming pool. BUT, they won't be using briefs AND chucks, so at least they'll have their "dignity." That really does sound dignified, doesn't it?
Then the facility will say, "If you changed your residents every two hours, they wouldn't be soaking through the bedding." Well, if the facility purchased quality briefs in the first place instead of cheap ones so that they can save a buck, the briefs would absorb more than 10 mL of fluid and wouldn't even be leaking!
We recently switched over from quality, brand name supplies to cheap ones from some company I've never heard of. It takes 3 new chucks to equal the protective power of 1 old one.