I just started my clinicals for my CNA course and I have some concerns that I was wondering how common they appear. I realize that this work is tough, and I expected nothing less, but I also believe that we should always place the well being of the residents that are under our care first. We are here to improve health were we can, not make it worse.
Throughout the day I noticed that the majority of CNA employed at the facility were quite rough and impersonal with the residents. In class I was taught that we needed to greet the residents and state our business, what we were going to do for them, before we began any process. Yet, I saw none of this happen. The caregivers just walked in and began their duties, not once did i see anyone greet the resident before starting. While offering care there were little, or no, words spoken to the residents. It was very mechanical, and harsh.
I noticed during the range of motion exercises the aides were moving the limbs in rapid and rough manners. One resident had a stiff knee, and the aide forced the leg to bend in a very harsh fashion. It appeared that there was alot of over stimulation to the resident that could make their condition worsen. Often I noticed that the residents that could not speak showed obvious pain during these exercises, and that the aides bluntly ignored their groans and moans of discomfort.
I saw that perineal care was rushed and incomplete, leaving fecal matter on the resident. At some points I noticed aides ignore a plea from a resident to go to the restroom. Even their dining was rushed and forced. By "force" I mean that exact wording, it was as though the aide crammed huge spoon fulls into their mouth. It was such a risk for aspiration and choking.
My first day at clinicals had me heartbroken, I went home that evening and cried for those residents. Many of them had cried when my class had to go. Just in that one day I feel that I have made many friends of those residents, and it hurts me to see that their care is so disappointing. I did speak to my instructor about these concerns that I observed, and hope that they will be brought up to the DON. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the things that I noticed wrong..
Is this activity of care a common thing? Why do people that are so unconcerned for a persons well being involved in providing care in a medical facility? I appologise for my rants, but I had to get this off my chest, it is so sad for me to see this occur.
I see what your saying...and I'm sorry if I've made anyone think that. I was really referring to people that I know that I've been upset about. I never thought anyone would reply negatively to my comment and actually would agree with me because *they know* that their good at what they do also, and get tired of being around or knowing people that just don't care. I'm sick to my stomach knowing there are people out their like that and when I seen people reacting so negatively to my comment it made me wonder what the heck I said that was so wrong. I hope everyone knows that I definitely did not intend to offend anyone. Really.
Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.
"If I ever have to live in a nursing home when I'm older...I sure hope the government can change things!"
No offense, and not to sound mean, but what is the government going to do about it? Are they going to tell people to care? The government is the answer to nothing.
Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.
I think the bottom line here is that a lot of people on here have been CNAs for a long time (even 6 months seems like a long time, with how stressful and demanding the job is). We are sick of people (families, administration, patients) telling us how poorly we do our job, criticizing us, telling us we don't care, etc. when we do. It's almost impossible to do this job and NOT care! It's simply not worth doing for the pay if you don't care! So, the reason we ticked is because you are not a CNA, have no idea what it's like, and are criticizing. Sorry if it sounds harsh, but that's how it is!
I hope this clears things up. Just understand that right now, you know very little about being a CNA. And I know that because I was in your shoes once, it's very very different in "the real world." :)
I don't feel "quilty" - I don't quilt, but I firmly believe anybody who has not worked as a CNA (let's say for at least a year) and comments or passes judgement about "a" CNA or CNAs as a whole is merely a backseat driver without a license. And yes, I've said "I don't care anymore" a few times myself. I guess I'm just in it for the great pay and the fantastic work conditions.
my bad...i didn't mean to spell quilty lol..i guess it happens sometimes. and i can definitely understand people feeling that way about how people treat them when it comes to their job, i had no intentions on making anyone feel that way. couldn't something be done for these places? i know a lot of people get fired over some crazy stuff but yet people still allow things to go on in places like that...its just insane!
That's not really a solution - there already ARE regulations on how many staff members are to be scheduled each shift. There are ways around it, and some places simply don't follow the rules unless state is around. THe minimum staffing allowed by state is low, but it's not likely to get much better because financially, to have more people working would mean cutting corners elsewhere.
Low staffing is something that can only be dealt with on a facility by facility level. If you see dangerous levels of staffing, you can report it to state. The facility will not know it was you who did it, and at least an investigation will be held. However, the problem is, these investigations are usually held on dayshift, and dayshift usually has the best staffing numbers (in addition to more aides, there are more nurses, therapists, secretaries, all of which can technically be counted in the staffing number). Second and third shifts are the ones most likely to be short staffed.
Yeah definitely makes since. I do sincerely apologize to those who I've offended, I will try to word my thoughts/opinions better...I admit sometimes I suck at that, ask my husband lol. I see now (while I meant well) sometimes my wording doesn't come out right. I seriously didn't mean to sound the way you all seen it...I would NEVER intentionally hurt or degrade anyone or their job...honestly.
I believe the sad fact is that, right now, nobody knows how to improve the situation. More rules and regulations don't help matters, as we've seen over the last twenty years. There's been improvement in some areas, but other areas have suffered. One of the big problems, as I see it, is that this is such a sensitive and political issue, nobody dares to address the issues in a realistic and matter of fact approach. Just look around at your work place. Who gets the best care? I believe if we are to make drastic improvements, healthcare consumers have to adjust their behavior and expectations and become active participants in a team effort. A few years back, I went on a trip to Europe and while there, visited several healthcare facilities. The differences were astonishing. For instance, at the hospital I visited, there were no TVs in the rooms. The beds, while electric, looked 30 years old, no fancy wallpaper or curtains either. However, the patients that I had the chance to visit with never had a chance to use the call light, because every five minutes someone came to check on them. The staff never seemed rushed and the whole place seemed calm and peaceful. Maybe what works in other countries would'nt necessarily work here, but I think we're at a point where we need to look in all directions.
Well, I've noticed (after reading all posts) that I have started some debates about this topic. So allow me to clarify, that I understand there is much more to being a CNA. It just made me feel sad to see this treatment, and I needed to get the feelings off my chest.
I also want everyone to understand that i am no foreigner to care-giving. I was a member of Dive Rescue in Alaska, and an EMT in Utah. I have seen many sad things, and felt powerless about it at times (even with extensive training). I know that there are some things that are out of our control. But we do our best to achieve the best of for the person that is under our care. These activities during the day at clinical I did not seem to see that. I am taking a path in the medical genre that is, honestly, new to me. I only seek to prepare myself, and others in our journey.
My thread was for venting and to see if there were others out there that have seen the same type (or quite similar) of treatment. Please don't make this a battle between who knows best! We are here to help uplift others, to share what little knowledge that we have ourselves. Again, I ask not to fight or argue over the matter. Uplift, guide, help your fellow members and newcomers in care-giving.
Nina2bRN
68 Posts
I see what your saying...and I'm sorry if I've made anyone think that. I was really referring to people that I know that I've been upset about. I never thought anyone would reply negatively to my comment and actually would agree with me because *they know* that their good at what they do also, and get tired of being around or knowing people that just don't care. I'm sick to my stomach knowing there are people out their like that and when I seen people reacting so negatively to my comment it made me wonder what the heck I said that was so wrong. I hope everyone knows that I definitely did not intend to offend anyone. Really.