So I just finished my CNA class this weekend and I am horrified at what I saw/heard during clinical.
When I went into a residents room with the CNA on staff, the CNA was pleasant, but she talked down to the resident and complained about the resident's room being cluttered. Even a child could figure out that it was not appropriate nor nice. Afterwards she complained that said resident was "mean and angry all the time". Well, duh. Treat her like she is and she will be!
When we were instructed by our teacher to do hand/foot care, the LTC facility supplied our wash basins and supplies. There wasn't even enough basins (in the whole facility) for the few of us there were, let alone one for each patient. And the nail files they gave us were used! I almost downright refused as this seemed like abuse on the patients to me.
So many of my fellow students saw things that were way worse, like the CNA leaving them alone to do a full body bath (for the first time). Many of them stated that they would never work in a LTC facility after being there. It makes me sad to hear that. Those residents NEED good CNA's. THAT made me want to be there, to do the right thing, even if it was going to be hard or go "against the grain".
Are all LTC facilities like this? Just cut corners, cut costs, no matter who it hurts? It drove me crazy!
I'm a student as well and starting my clinicals tomorrow and I'm fully expecting to see a lot of short cuts and things I will not like. However I just repeat "Welcome to the real world" in my head and get over it.
In regards to the CNA talking down to a resident and remarking about her room being cluttered you haven't worked with that resident day in day out to know what they will respond too. Different people respond to different things and maybe this CNA knew that a little talking down would straighten this resident out for the time being. I know my friends grandmother would only respond to baby talk. It seemed insulting to others when out in public but you go with what works.
As for the lack of supplies? It happens all over because corporations are cheap. I wouldn't waste money on bins and other things but the emery board thing is gross so if I were you I would just go to the dollar store and buy a pack and just carry one or two one you if you know you'll be doing foot or nail care.
Don't get so wound up either if CNAs leave you alone to do a task. I personally would think that is great because it shows they trust me enough to leave me alone with one of their residents. I actually hope that as I'm advancing in clinicals they leave me alone more and more. :)
CNAs don't have the time to train and surprise, surprise most other places don't either. I trained dozens of people at my last job and it went something like this:
Floor Manager: Here is the list of the 8,000 tasks and all the paperwork associated with those tasks that I need you to complete in your 8 hour shift. Oh and by the way here's Sally Sunshine who is new and I need you to show her the ropes.
As much as I would have loved to show her everything I have my own job to complete as a well lest I want angry managers and customers lopping off my head at the end of the day. Often the day ended with me exhausted and frustrated and miss Sally in tears and wondering why she ever decided to get into this field.
gymnut
246 Posts
I'm a student as well and starting my clinicals tomorrow and I'm fully expecting to see a lot of short cuts and things I will not like. However I just repeat "Welcome to the real world" in my head and get over it.
In regards to the CNA talking down to a resident and remarking about her room being cluttered you haven't worked with that resident day in day out to know what they will respond too. Different people respond to different things and maybe this CNA knew that a little talking down would straighten this resident out for the time being. I know my friends grandmother would only respond to baby talk. It seemed insulting to others when out in public but you go with what works.
As for the lack of supplies? It happens all over because corporations are cheap. I wouldn't waste money on bins and other things but the emery board thing is gross so if I were you I would just go to the dollar store and buy a pack and just carry one or two one you if you know you'll be doing foot or nail care.
Don't get so wound up either if CNAs leave you alone to do a task. I personally would think that is great because it shows they trust me enough to leave me alone with one of their residents. I actually hope that as I'm advancing in clinicals they leave me alone more and more. :)
CNAs don't have the time to train and surprise, surprise most other places don't either. I trained dozens of people at my last job and it went something like this:
Floor Manager: Here is the list of the 8,000 tasks and all the paperwork associated with those tasks that I need you to complete in your 8 hour shift. Oh and by the way here's Sally Sunshine who is new and I need you to show her the ropes.
As much as I would have loved to show her everything I have my own job to complete as a well lest I want angry managers and customers lopping off my head at the end of the day. Often the day ended with me exhausted and frustrated and miss Sally in tears and wondering why she ever decided to get into this field.