I started my CNA program. Class room is great! But after 3 Clinicals, I'm already feeling frustrated and cynical.
We had hands on training last week for the first time and were each assigned a Resident to feed. I had a wonderful woman Resident (bedridden), who was not cognitive, but could manage a few words that I could not understand, but of course pretended to.
She was also on a pureed diet. Our instructor did not tell us how much time we should take to feed. I proceeded to feed her slowly, held her hand, stroked her hair and told her how pretty her hair was. She still looked confused, but I was sooo ecstatic when I finally got her to smile over and over by making silly gestures about myself. :)
She dozed off for a few minutes, so I waited until she woke and proceeded to feed her. Honestly, I just bonded with this Resident. Perhaps empathy? As I knew this is probably how she spent her entire day? In bed, without any visual stimulation (except her TV), no hand holding? I was told she never had visitors..
My instructor came in rather upset because it took me so long. My class was already down stairs taking their break! Secondly, as I was giving my Resident juice from a plastic cup, I was leaning over her as I could not see from eye level if she had her mouth open. (Didn't want to spill it on her)
Instructor was upset because I was standing above her. Even though I explained why.
Just reading this board which is great, by the way! (Thank you all for sharing.) It seems like there isn't enough time to give a Resident quality contact time, which seems to be so important for them and for my self satisfaction.
You all seem to be over loaded with so many patients - (Bless you all) Can you even spend quality personal time with your Residents?
I'm not so sure this is the right career path for me... Is Assisted Living a better suit? Can anyone recommend a career with more one on one time, but still make a decent salary with benefits?
I was told she never had visitors..