Dealing with those who don't seem to really care for paitents

[JessicaSamunique]

I'm a student in school for nursing of course. But I'm taking a summer class to become a CNA so I can work during the school year. Our clinicals are at a CCU nursing home. I noticed that the CNAs that actually work there( and some nurses) are rude to the patients. Some of my classmates and I have witnessed and heard the employees saying they won't do things like help a resident off the floor because they've already done it once or they snatch call lights from patients who accidentally press the button. We notify our teacher and she says to mind our business, she'll handle it. I don't feel comfortable seeing these things take place. Is there more I could/should do??????

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

That's very sad. Those poor people. These people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I am sure their families would be appalled to hear that they aren't, but they will probably never know.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I understand your instructor's desire not to "make waves" that could possibly interfere with the availability of a clinical training site. Maybe you can't do anything right now, but I would urge you to contact your state/area's Ombudsman program and report these incidents. Every state has Ombudsman programs that are designed to provide a voice for the vulnerable nursing home patients who can't speak for themselves... here's the info Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. I don't think you can make anonymous complaints, but they may be able to keep it confidential so your school does not suffer.

[Fireman767]

Ill say you are a mandated reporter, so if you do feel this situation warrants elder abuse you can file an anonymous tip to the state elder abuse hotlines. If you see them doing things such as removing call bells from pts or not not picking them up say something. It may or may not be abuse, but it will get the ball rolling.