HELP!!!!

[mandaq4]

Ive been a CNA in CA for a little over a year now.. I've never had any serious problems at work, I consider myself to be a pretty good CNA I go above and beyond for my patients and even though some may consider it unprofessional I like to maintain a good open relationships with my patients. Anyone that works in an LTC facility can agree that these patients ultimately become family, even the ones that make you crazy if you're a good compassionate nurse you'll love em just the same at the end of the day.

SO HERE GOES THE BADDDD PART!!!!..

Today I was hit very hard by a patient, we were joking around then she turned around smacked my arm pretty hard (it was really red for about 20 mins). I immediately reported it to my supervisor and she handled it right away then I went home for the day.. When push came to shove the patient tried to retaliate against me and she told my bosses that I hit her first. I was then called back into work and presented with this allegation and after they took another statement from me I was told I was going to be suspended for 3 days.

No doubt about it, I'm worried about my job, but more than anything my certification. I'm petrified of this patient trying to come after my certification and ruin my whole career.. She is basically a pathological liar and belongs in a psych facility but shes been there for years attacking our staff with her words, lies, and most recent acts of violence.. I am only 20 years old this was just supposed to be my starting point and I really don't want it to be my end.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?...

[speedyG]

Let this be a lesson.As a new stna be aware that there are underlying factors that can cause an elderly to behave this way. You are responsible to care for a population with a list of medical history..many who have dementia and psych issues. A joke- whatever the joke was- can trigger negative behaviors.

[Bear23]

I can totally relate to you. I was a CNA before I even became an RN. It's okay to maintain a good relationship with your patients, but you also have to draw a line.

Did you show your arm to your supervisor? It would help if you did. If the patient already has a record of being a pathological liar, emotionally abusive and violent, then they shouldn't have supended you. They should have investigated the issue thoroughly. In the future, you should write down any type of incident like this. Write what, why, who, when and how it happened. This will help you in the long run.

Don't let this break you. Be strong.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

A valuable lesson learned. You may care about your patients and become "close to them" but they are patients. A professional distance and demeanor at all times. Remember that you will be the guilty one most of the time and the patient, "customer" is always right. Some people will always look for that opportunity to get a quick dollar and will sue if you breathe wrong so you need to be ever vigilant against putting yourself in precarious situations/scenario's. I am afraid you are going to lose your position and I hope they don't report it to the state. This whole situation can be viewed as unprofessional behavior and just cause to discipline you. Elder abuse is a hot button item and if you look at it as an outsider.......a 20 year old says they were "joking around" with an elderly patient and the elderly patient struck the 20 year old and left a red mark that lasted for 20 mins....versus..... elderly patient struck 20 year old health care worker in self defense during "rough play" while "joking around".

I am sorry you are going through this and I hope everything turns out OK. BUt if it doesn't don't let go of your dream. Learn and move on!!!!:hug: Good luck.

[noc4senuf]

The facility did what they needed to. Whenever there is a report of abuse by a resident about a staff member, the facility needs to protect that resident during an investigation. This would mean a suspension pending investigation. It does not mean you did anything wrong. If the state came in and you were allowed to continue working before they had finished the investigation, the state would site the facilty with immediate jeopardy.