Nursing homes

oramar · May 13, 2001

Dear Stacey, my husbands sister is 60 years old and has worked as a NA on an Dementia unit for 17 years. She is only scheduled for 8 hrs a day but does 12 hrs 3 or 4 days a week. She is ready to collaspe. Just like you she does not get paid very much for doing what I consider the most important job in the world. Meanwhile our society pays billions of dollars to young men who know do nothing but knock silly balls around. It just plain stinks.

Cubby · Feb 24, 2002

AMEN!!!!!!

135ctv · Feb 24, 2002

I agree that, overall, there is a lack of respect for aides. I think that, to some extent, aides contribute to this. There are many aides who clearly should not be employed in this field. They tend to be louder and more vocal (i.e. calling attention to themselves) than aides who really care about doing a good job. Aides who quietly go about doing their job tend to fade into the background.

I too get frustrated when someone views me as a generic aide (i.e. uneducated, not responsible, poor work habits, etc.) rather than the person that I know I am. In some cases, I take that as an opportunity to educate that individual as to why I do this job, and why I feel that it is important. Other times, I realize that no matter how I conduct myself or what I say, I will not change this individual's poor perception of aides.

You need to look at what is important to you. I, for one, would not remain with a facility where I was continually treated with disrespect or treated as if I had very little value. Good aides are an asset. I would much rather work for someone who valued my contributions. I realize that not everyone is in the position to change jobs, but it wouldn't hurt to explore other options (i.e. other facilities, positions other than LTC that require a CNA, or even another career).

Some states require minimum staffing levels. If your facility is constantly working short, you may want to investigate this. The facility may not be in compliance with the law. Also, learn what the labor laws are regarding hourly workers. Some places who employ low-paying workers are not always in compliance with these laws. Call the department of labor if you have any specific questions.

Finally, don't allow the way others see you to change the way you view yourself. You are doing something important, you are caring for people who are no longer able to care for themselves. Yes, it's frustrating when people treat you as though you have little value, but look at it as their ignorance and not as a judgement of your worth. No matter how far you advance in your career or how much money you make, there will always be people who do not respect you or who do not appreciate you. Your mistake would be to believe them.

Vicki30CNA, CNA, LPN · Feb 26, 2002

Monday I had a rough day. I worked with another CNA who is burned out by the facility. Her complaints are all valid and one of her main beefs was the respect. We bust our butts, have sweat dripping down our faces and usually miss our 15 minute AM break and still we have nurses who ask why so and so isn't moved or if this has been done or that. We had 6 CNA's on the floor and 60- residents. It is three halls 5 baths each hall plus breakfast and lunch, laying people down changing people and pottying people. There just isn't the time to do everything and something gives somewhere.

Meanwhile we have a meeting that adds more to what we do. We tell the DON we don't have enough time or people to get all the PROMs done. She tells us to find a way. I told one nurse it averages out to 15 to 20- min to get a resident up in the AM. She told me it could be done in 6 to 7 min.

We have residents that are lifts that get bed baths in the am also. Now we have a 5.000$ cresendo shower chair that takes 2 aids to use and 30- minutes for the shower... that is in addition to our average 5 showers a day. 6 days a week.

We had an agency temp Saturday and she said "What are they trying to do kill you off?" She called off the next day!

I love my job and I try to keep the residents as my main focus, but when this is your reality and you are working with others who have dealt with it longer than you and have reached the quiting point, it is very hard to stay up beat!

nursedawn67, LPN · Feb 26, 2002

I'm a LPN, but had been a nursing assistant for approx 6 years, so I keep in mind how I felt when I was an aide and I incorporate that in how I treat my aides. I always try to say please and thank you and to ask, not order. If they look busy I try to do it myself, and I help them when they ask for help, if I cannot help them I explain to them why and not just say no. CNA's are the eyes and ears...the hub of any facility. And they deserve respect and a big THANK YOU!!

duckie · Feb 27, 2002

I could write a book on how much I cherish the CNA's that work with me. As a nurse of many years, I cannot tell them enough how much they matter and what they mean to the residents that we care for. I have encountered some CNA's that you could tell really don't care but I feel blessed that where I currently work, they are few and far between. We are all a team, everyone matters and we are all equally important in the whole picture. Nothing makes me madder than a nurse that thinks they're too good to wipe butt or clean up a mess. I wish the pay scale reflected the importance of what we do every day but we might as well face it, that isn't likely to happen.

unmovableshortie · Feb 28, 2002

LNA"s or CNA"s are the "backbone" of long term care!! As a charge nurse I respect and try to mentor them. A good aide is worth her/his weight in gold!! When an aide tells me someone "doesn't look right", I believe them and go do an assessment. They are usually "right on". Tell me the urine looks cloudy and I will chemstrip it to screen for infection. Tell me the resident is "short of breath" and I'll be right there with my stethoscope and O2 sat device. And, I'll help life, turn, change and feed. We're all a team and in this together!! Longterm care could not function without aides!!

unmovableshortie · Feb 28, 2002

Has anyone ever heard of not treating urinary tract infections unless the person has a fever? We have one physician who will not prescribe antibiotics for UTI's unless the resident has a fever. Never mind that they may be more confused and/or more agitated. I'd like to see soem supporting literature one wy or the other. Thank you?

cinny071 · Feb 28, 2002

Sounds like everyone here understands what the CNA's are saying. Maybe if I would have had that kind of understanding, I would have remained as CNA. But I knew I could no longer do the job and do it right and still not get anything right most days.

But I must say the RN's have it tough too, I work closer with them know and I see and understand first hand some of the "crap" that they have to put up with, and most of them are understanding,but they are doing their job(they many times cann't change things, even if they wanted at least not where I work) Most of the RN's really do understand what the CNA's have to do and they do care!

betts · Mar 1, 2002

From a RN that Cares...

What Does Being A CNA Mean...

I start each day of my professional life,

remembering and practicing a code of ethics.

I have a special gift from God called caring,

it is weaved within my soul.

I reach out with this gift and help others in need.

I plant a seed to watch it grow and flourish.

I nourish it, then pass it on.

For the true meaning of caring

is to love unselfishly with an undivided heart.

I administer ADL's to my residents

with respect and privacy.

I give the best care possible,

in hopes to earn their trust,

therefore, creating a confidence that will endure.

If I could look inside my residents hearts

what would I see?

All residents suffer pain from losses.

Some residents hid behind a wall of untrust,

rebellion, or rejection.

but, the majority of residents,

live out their lives accepting

our help with open arms.

It is not my place to judge,

or to change their disposition,

but to offer kindness in empathy for their griefs.

I respect their feelings,

and most important I respect and protect their rights.

I am their advocate and I will intercede for them.

It is my duty to encourage them to step forward.

To challenge rehabilitation

with dedication and determination.

I must act in a respectful and professional manner.

I put their needs first and refrain from gossip

within my life or the hardships of my profession.

I will honor their right not only to live,

but to die in dignity and self respect.

Let me not forget

that I too, may become dependent for care someday.

I could find myself destined to long term care

or rehabilation,

I hope to be given quality care,

privacy, respect and rights.

As every resident is entitled to receive.

I administer health care knowing that every man

and every woman is somebody's mother,

father, daughter or son.

Life is to short to worry

about the petty things of yesterday,

and to long to anticipate the future.

So I live for today in hopes

that any unfinished challenges

will be brought forth and conquered tomorrow.

debrawc · Mar 3, 2002

I am an Rn and I agree that the CNA's are the backbone of the nursing home. I myself was a CNA for 5 years and I understand how hard their job is. The staffing situation as it sounds is universal through out the country. I hear the same phrase everyday " We are tired of working short,..We are getting burned out: I try to get out on the floor to help them as much as I can but there again, as one of the others also noted, the nurses do alot of "crap' too. It may not be as physical as the CNA, but the mental stress can be just as bad. I am responsible for 134 residents and deal with physicans who are not always the kindest people to deal with. So just hang in there and work together. Do the best job you can! Thanks