Is this a microcosm of what happens in nursing on a DAILY basis!?

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2010

So the link that you provided only sent me to a commercial about some rapper...I am guessing that you are asking about abuse in LTC institutions. I don't work in one, so I cannot speak to it, but I have heard of it. It is despicable to say the least, and does not happen often. The nurses that have been accused and been found guilty of this horrid act are in jail where they belong!

Flying ICU RN · Sep 16, 2010

This was a crime caught on camera. If it happened in the US, this lady will be arraigned and see a jail cell as a precursor to a whole lot of trouble.

If it happened in some other part of the world, well now, let's just say sometimes it's better to get in trouble in the good Ole USA.

Spikey9001, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2010

So the link that you provided only sent me to a commercial about some rapper...I am guessing that you are asking about abuse in LTC institutions. I don't work in one, so I cannot speak to it, but I have heard of it. It is despicable to say the least, and does not happen often. The nurses that have been accused and been found guilty of this horrid act are in jail where they belong!

You gotta scroll down a little... the video is on the page.

DeLana_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2010

This is hard to watch... I'm glad the family taped this, and I hope justice will be served.

Some people truly go into healthcare for money (or lack of other options in their area), or because it pays better than, say, McDonalds. Background checks don't reveal everything. But having worked as a nursing home aide, I believe that this is a rare exception.

At least that's what I want to believe...

DeLana

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2010

My aunt was a nurse her entire life. She had CHF and was put into a LTC facility because her care was simply too much for the family to safely manage day to day. She was treated with disrespect and died a horrible death-alone. It is almost too much for me to write this, because I can hardly see how to type through my tears. I am so sad that she had to endure it. I know that this is not the norm, but rather the exception with LTC. I commend those that give compassionate and respectful care in LTCs. My hat is off to you. I realize that your job is very difficult and I want to send a thank you for the nurses that do this backbreaking job. It is hard, and I thank those of you who carry it out in a loving manner. It is important.

mandyc · Sep 16, 2010

This makes me want to cry!...My heart just aches and goes out for that poor 91 year old woman! Kudos to her family for getting it all on tape...I can only wish and hope that the caregiver gets the same respect and courtesy she showed to that poor woman when she goes to PRISON!

sunnycalifRN · Sep 16, 2010

This does happen and it's despicable, as you said. The person will pay for their crime. While there are always bad people out there, be they nurses, doctors, presidents or truck drivers, I believe that the vast majority are good. So, to answer your question, NO, that kind of elder abuse is NOT a microcosm of what happens in nursing.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Sep 16, 2010

I hear this happens A LOT more than what is reported.
Video: Caught On Tape: Caretaker Abusing & Slapping 91 Year Old Woman! - Abuse to an elder
This is truly appalling and despicable. To think that a person that is in a position of so much trust and liability would so something so cruel... And I bet this said person had to go through a bunch of background checks and stuff just to get the job.
This just goes to show you can't trust anyone. I mean, what if that was your grandmother or someone you loved?
Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions.

Yup! You caught us red handed! That is a microcosm of what happens in nursing on a daily basis.

Your title associated with the link is extremely inappropriate and antagonistic. What exactly are you trying to accomplish with this distasteful combination?

Crux1024 · Sep 16, 2010

:dancgrp:

OP, if you really want a productive and enlightening conversation, perhaps you should rephrase your words to actually reflect that instead of choosing the few that you know will cause trouble/anger people.

rn/writer, RN · Sep 16, 2010

The title of your thread suggests that you are asking if this is typical in a nursing home. The short answer is, no, it is not.

There will always be some caregivers who cross the line, but that is true even for a patient who is cared for at home. In fact, it's more likely to happen and less likely to be caught in a home situation d/t caregiver fatigue, limited resources, isolation, and other factors. But even so, I still wouldn't say it is typical, even at home.

My youngest daughter just left her long-time CNA job to return to school. She took great pride in what she did, and encouraged her co-workers to do the same. On PM shift, she tucked her residents in, fussed over them a little, and called them her sweeties. She gave a kiss and hug to each one who wanted them. She had to set limits with some who would try to take advantage of her good nature, but she did so with kindness.

So, to answer your question, this is typical of a very small percentage of caregivers. But most CNAs have too much respect (for themselves and others), decency, supervision, and job skills to allow themselves to treat residents in this fashion.

I'm glad this poor example was arrested.

gymnut · Sep 16, 2010

Watching this video made me rage and I can barely keep myself from crying. I have an 84 year old grandmother and a 94 year old grandmother and to think of them being treated that way breaks my heart!

The elderly have lived through many hardships, raised their families and worked hard their whole lives and when their bodies cannot possibly go anymore be it because of old age or disease it is time for them to rest and be cared for as they have so cared for others.

I will pray for this elderly woman that in her final days she gets the TLC that she truly deserves and I will also pray for the family that they can overcome this crisis. To the woman that inflicted the abuse I pray that swift justice will be brought upon her but, also that the hatred that lives in her heart will be let go.