Highly disturbed today at Clinical...

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Hi everyone,

This is my second week of an accelerated BSN program. Things are crazy and we are already doing clinical at a LTC facility. Today driving home I almost broke down in tears because of the way some of the STNA's and LPN's were treating the patients. Now I am obviously no expert, and I am fully aware of how short staffed these facilities are, but it seemed like they were doing everything I have been told not to do. For instance, I was bathing a woman and was going to cover her with a towl so she wasn't cold and exposed and the woman working said not to waste an extra towel on that and the woman would be fine. Another patient I helped was put naked in a Hoyer Lift and was almost in tears because she kept asking to be covered and how indecent this was. I asked if I should go get a sheet to cover her and was told no. I had to wipe the woman afer we go her into bed and I again asked to get a sheet and was told it was unecessary. When the LPN left the room, I went and got the woman a sheet and you should have seen the relief in her eyes- I have never seen someone look so thankful. I know nakedness cannot be avoided and nurses and aids are always extremely busy, but I couldn't help but think what my own reaction would be in that situation. I am incredibly modest and would want to be covered up if it was possible. Am I totally naive in thinking this way?

All states have Ombudsman that oversee LTC facilities. An anonymous complaint to the Ombudsman will be investigated within 24 hours. The facility should have Ombudsman info posted right along with the "Patient Rights" info. If not, google Senior Ombudsman for your state or LTC Ombudsman for your state. Good luck! Thanks for being so caring!

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Thank you everyone so much for your thoughtful replies. I see that there is a lot of politics and bottom line stuff going on at these LTC facilities and that, combined with uncaring staff, is a recipe for disaster. I am going to sit down with my instructor today and discuss what is going on. It is great to hear all your input and wisdom and is reassuring to this 3 week baby RN-to-be :) Thank you so much!

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Do what pmshaver says, contact the Ombudsman that oversees this LTC facility. Don't even tell your instructor you're going to.

I know you're busy in your first couple of terms but please contact that person. Our grandparents deserve this.......

Take care, and please follow through...

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i am glad you are going into nursing. you have empathy. :redbeathe

there is not enough of that in nursing any more.

that is all.

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I think it is consider as an abuse to the residents and should be reported. In our facility, we make sure that we provide privacy to all our residents when doing care and eventhough we have a ratio of 1:8 , we make sure that we give quality care to each one of them.

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You definately are not wrong! So many times we hear staff members say "we're so busy", well there is no excuse for not showing dignity and respect to our patients. How would those nurses feel if it were their mother, father or any of their family members in that position--it totally would not be tolerated! When we see this behavior it is our duty to not allow this to go on! Dont ever lose your caring attitude!

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You definately are not wrong! So many times we hear staff members say "we're so busy", well there is no excuse for not showing dignity and respect to our patients. How would those nurses feel if it were their mother, father or any of their family members in that position--it totally would not be tolerated! When we see this behavior it is our duty to not allow this to go on! Dont ever lose your caring attitude! :nurse:

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Keep sticking to your ethical values. Just because others don't doesn't mean that you shouldn't do the right thing. Even if they say 'No" go do it anyway...while they are watching. Modeling behavior often says much more than words ever will.

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In my state there is a LTC regulation that states what the staff:patient ratio must be for each shift. I don't think 1:18 is acceptable even on the night shift. I KNOW it's not here, but check your state's regs.

And I totally agree with contacting the State Ombudsman. Everyone has a right to privacy and "public' nakedness does not qualify as privacy in any state, I'm sure. No nurse anywhere at any time was ever taught to totally expose the total patient while giving a bedbath. If she/he was taught that, then imo the nursing school needs to be reported also!

Oh this subject just MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL! I never cease to be appalled at the treatment (or lack of it) some patients get in some LTC facilities.

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In my state there is a LTC regulation that states what the staff to patient ratio must be for each shift. I don't think 1:18 is acceptable even on the night shift. I KNOW it's not here, but check your state's regs.

And I totally agree with contacting the State Ombudsman. Everyone has a right to privacy and "public' nakedness does not qualify as privacy in any state, I'm sure. No nurse anywhere at any time was ever taught to totally expose the total patient while giving a bedbath. If she/he was taught that, then imo the nursing school needs to be reported also!

Oh this subject just MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL! I never cease to be appalled at the treatment (or lack of it) some patients get in some LTC facilities.

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Wouldn't something like this have the potential to be a lawsuit? I'm shocked.

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