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Discussion

CNA shame...

I have been a CNA for approximately 4 months. I consider myself to be a patient person with a sharp mind. I am taking prereqs currently at school to prepare for nursing. I currently work the night shift (10-6) at a LTC facility--

Today I was not very patient. I was frustrated with both external and internal stressors. I let it leak through and it affected patient care. I was more stern than normal. Telling residents they have to wait, short-tempered, and impatient. I was unable to answers lights for extended periods of time. My supervising nurse would not help and it is only us two in the night.

I am at home now. I feel overwrought with guilt and shame for having been so brisk with the residents. I feel as if I have no business being in health care if I cannot compartmentalize and maintain integrity and professionalism. I'm scared I will have state and or the law on my head for abuse, at the very least a write up. I feel bad because we are the residents care givers, those able to help those unable. I feel as if I failed at my job. I feel like a terrible human.

Any advice on how to deal with these situations? Any way to lessen the pain and help move on to be a better provider? How do you rectify mistakes with residents?

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    You are human. Humans make mistakes. You didn't abuse your residents (based on your description) so get that thought out of your head.

    Depending on how close you are with your residents, I've found (was a STNA for seven years, primarily on one floor) that simply apologizing for being short on your next shift helps. "Miss So-and-So, I want to apologize if I seemed short with you last night/week/shift." Nothing more needs be said- you don't need to unload your stress on to your resident, but a simple apology goes a very long way.

    The ability to compartmentalize comes with TIME and PRACTICE. It is NOT often a natural skill. You've been a CNA for four months. Give yourself some time.

    Best of luck to you!

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    Why would you use the word abuse? Is there more to the story than what is shared here?(self reflection) answer not required. If not there is no reason to carry guilt. We are human we all fail we hope at the end of our lives we have touched people and made a positive impact. Remind yourself of each time you have done that instead.

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