Is there such a thing as a good LTC?

[MN.MelissaCNA]

I am a new CNA working at a nursing home and have become saddened by what I have learned. I have been given the idea that if you are caring, compasionate, and gentle that you will never make it, get walked on by other nurses and fall behind in your work. When I talked to one of the RNs about things, I was told "welcome to health care." I want to have time to brush my residents teeth, talk to them when they are sad and not push and pull them around so coldly when providing cares. I would like to think that my fellow employees would not find ways to blame me for things that go wrong and make me a target because I'm new. I talked about maybe finding a new place to work but have been told this is health care and this stuff is everywhere. I know when you say the word nursing home to someone in the general public that they cringe in disgust. Is this really just how it is? I am still pre-nursing and am wondering if I should continue on with my nursing education or if it will end up being a waste of my time and money.

[mindlor]

Yes, the laws of probability would predict that somewhere there is a good LTC. If there were no good LTC there would be no frame of reference with which to deem another LTC as being bad haha

[MN.MelissaCNA]

I fear that the good one being referenced only exsists in my head.

[mindlor]

I have seen them. When I lived in TN I saw many many good ones. In many of the southern states, with the exception of florida there seems to be a bit higher regard for the elderly.....

[LovedRN, BSN, RN]

I went to a really good and expensive LTC when I was a CNA student. No smell at all. CNAs and everybody were so kind and nice. The dining room makes you feel like you are in a countryside hotel. Someone would play a piano while you are eating!!! But then again it's an expensive LTC.

[onyx77]

Yes, Good LTC facilities DO exist! I work in one! Infact, I've worked in a few. I used to say that a facility is only as good as its nurses and CNAs. I've now changed that to a facility is only as good as its management. Bad attitudes trickle down the ladder! I have found that this is worse in a facility that is owned by a corporation. Nonprofit facitilities are usually much better facilities for our residents and staff.

Unfortunately with the current econcomy we are being forced to do more (much more) with less (much less). Budget cuts are being made in most facilities, which means a staff cut. And because of money some facilities are accepting pts that they shouldn't, staff has a heavier workload. "less staff- more residents." I truely believe that is that motto of the facility I just left!

[Marshall1]

I know of several in the N. Florida area that are really good.

[ilovetobike]

I am a c.n.a. and it's hard. I have been told to just manage my time as if it was even possible to do all the things and take care of all the ppl. I was even told to just work off the clock by clocking out for lunch but work anyways. All the cna's are so pressured where I work. The nurses too. I am new to it and it is so much different then I was told. I didn't expect the work to be easy I was just surprised how much they want you to do with very little money and no help. I still like being a c.n.a. but I wish they would just let us work till were done so we can get everything done and to pay us all were owed.