Coworkers Turning On Heavy Metal and Rock Music In the Dining Room For Elderly Residents

[SilverBells, BSN]

As if there aren't any more peculiar happenings at my workplace, another thing that I've noticed lately is that there are some coworkers, particularly CNAs, that like to crank up the music in the dining room to a station that primarily plays loud heavy metal and rock music at full volume.   While many of our coworkers enjoy the music, I do happen to question the time of day they turn up the music.  Not only does it occur during meal time, but I've heard it playing as late as 10pm and as early as 6 am, when people are probably still sleeping.  

As of right now, no one is complaining, but my guess is that at one point in time, someone probably will.  Also, state is due to stop by, and probably would cite us for loud noise if they were to walk in while it is playing.

At the same time, is this something you would address if no one is complaining yet? Seems like there's probably bigger issues to worry about if no one else is concerned but at the same time the volume and the music are obnoxious for the setting being played in and the age group of the people residing in the facility. 

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

I hope they play music I like if I end up in a nursing home. I grew up with heavy metal, but I was one of the younger people in the group. So, plenty of awesome loud musicians have passed. I doubt I'll get a fancy goth/industrial playlist though. But I think I'm chew my way out of a nursing home that plays church music... Just sayin.

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

I really hope not to end up in a nursing home but if I do I will put which rappers I like on my Advance Directive.

[cardiacfreak, ADN]

2 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

I hope they play music I like if I end up in a nursing home.

Me too!  I grew up in the 80s and I hope some one will play Prince, hand me a Coor's, light me up a Marlboro and let me reminisce!

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

One of my patients in the hospital has a CD player in the room. Must have been brought by family since the patient is pretty much stationary and nonverbal. But it plays church music. Makes me a little crazy, but she smiles and sometimes moves to it.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

23 hours ago, SilverBells said:

As if there aren't any more peculiar happenings at my workplace, another thing that I've noticed lately is that there are some coworkers, particularly CNAs, that like to crank up the music in the dining room to a station that primarily plays loud heavy metal and rock music at full volume.   While many of our coworkers enjoy the music, I do happen to question the time of day they turn up the music.  Not only does it occur during meal time, but I've heard it playing as late as 10pm and as early as 6 am, when people are probably still sleeping.  

As of right now, no one is complaining, but my guess is that at one point in time, someone probably will.  Also, state is due to stop by, and probably would cite us for loud noise if they were to walk in while it is playing.

At the same time, is this something you would address if no one is complaining yet? Seems like there's probably bigger issues to worry about if no one else is concerned but at the same time the volume and the music are obnoxious for the setting being played in and the age group of the people residing in the facility. 

Why do you keep referring to CNAs and other subordinates as your co-workers?

Hppy

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I hope they blast 90s R&B wherever I end up!

The main issue I see in this scenario is how late and early it’s being played. You’re the manager, it doesn’t matter if people are complaining or not - you can say something. Even not being a manager, I would say something about the times. 

[Davey Do]

On 4/13/2021 at 7:53 PM, SilverBells said:

 crank up the music

[PinkFloyd]

On 4/13/2021 at 8:53 PM, SilverBells said:

As if there aren't any more peculiar happenings at my workplace, another thing that I've noticed lately is that there are some coworkers, particularly CNAs, that like to crank up the music in the dining room to a station that primarily plays loud heavy metal and rock music at full volume.   While many of our coworkers enjoy the music, I do happen to question the time of day they turn up the music.  Not only does it occur during meal time, but I've heard it playing as late as 10pm and as early as 6 am, when people are probably still sleeping.  

As of right now, no one is complaining, but my guess is that at one point in time, someone probably will.  Also, state is due to stop by, and probably would cite us for loud noise if they were to walk in while it is playing.

At the same time, is this something you would address if no one is complaining yet? Seems like there's probably bigger issues to worry about if no one else is concerned but at the same time the volume and the music are obnoxious for the setting being played in and the age group of the people residing in the facility. 

Absolutely inappropriate-We are all guests in the homes of our residents. Is this the type of music the residents enjoy? Do you have a large number of residents with dementia?? This is a teachable moment. Teach them how music effects people, how dementia effects the way the person processes such stimulus. 

[SmilingBluEyes]

On the other hand, music from their era/heyday can improve dementia symptoms. But who gets to decide what that is?

I would encourage use of ipods/phones and earphones for some of them, who can handle it.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I’ve dealt with similar situations in elder care facilities, and I always came down on the side of the residents, who did not enjoy rap or metal. Like another poster said, the nursing home IS their home, we are just guests, and if they want to listen to church music or Big Band-era tunes, we need to put up with it. We can listen to our own music in the car on the way to work or home. I agree that digital music and headphones are a good choice for some, but that doesn’t mean cranking the radio up and blaring “I Want to effing Break It” while feeding residents.

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

SilverBells, I say this with love, but do you actually have a nursing job? And do you have any hobbies/clubs for after work? You post (long, elaborate, thorough) a LOT. I suggest gardening after work as stress relief and Vitamin D.