I've been reading many posts on this site for a while now, but decided to create an account so I could post as well. I'm preparing to take my CNA courses in the Fall of this year or possibly early next year.
First, let me say that I think all of you CNAs have hearts of gold. I've read many of your posts concerning pt care, and I can see that you're all generous, sacrifycing individuals with the way you give to and love your pts. I, too, want to be able to give this kind of care and love. I've always felt sorry for people who are in Nursing homes or LTCs who are in a state of complete dependence and are suffering from various ailments, so I want to be able to provide good care and give them hope. In addition I would also like to assist nurses and other CNAs (co-workers) to the best of my abilities, thereby alleviating stress for them and being a good team player.
So . . . I would really appreciate any pointers you all may have regarding working in your particular facilities. Any advice would be truly appreciated, and that includes things that should be avoided as a worker. I just would like to know how to provide the best possible care to pts, as well as to aide the nurses and other co-workers while learning time management and other skils. I so want to do the best job I can! Thanks in advance! :redbeathe
For transfers, always wait until you can have someone help you, always.
Patients can get violent, but it's not that often. I've only been grabbed by the arm and pinched a couple of times..hehe. This little lady used to get really mad and frustrated because she had a stroke and couldn't talk. She could only say, "Bee bo, bee bo, bee". She would pinch the crap out of us if we couldn't understand what she was saying. Usually, when you go into a pts room you go in there smiling and talking calmly and that can sometimes defuse a potential situation. There will be times that all the smiling and sweet talking in the world won't do any good. More often than not they are medicated and all will be well :wink2:
If you are prepared for the vomit, BMs, and infectious smells then you will pretty much know what you are coming up against. Sometimes it can literally knock you off your socks. I just try to hold my breath as long as I can then breath through my mouth if it's too terrible. Or a mouth full of Altoids works wonders! hehe
It perfectly fine to have lots of questions. You will never know unless you ask. That's what the forums are for.
I've only been grabbed by the arm and pinched a couple of times..hehe.
Really? I've been pinched, scratched, slapped, punched, kicked, spit on, bitten, verbally attacked, had my hair pulled, my clothes pulled, my arms twisted, the shower sprayer turned on me, and things thrown at my head! And that's if I didn't forget and leave something out... lol.
Really though, only about 2 out of every 10 residents is combative, in my experience, but it depends on your facility. I think usually people are more behaved on day shift, generally speaking.
And if you have a mechanical lift transfer and non one's available to help, then you have no choice but to wait. If you do it yourself and something happens, or if nothing happens but someone tattles on you, you're in trouble. I'm not gonna lie, people do 2-assists by themselves all the time, myself included. But I don't know of anyone who operates lifts by themselves, I think because it's hard to be discreet when a huge machine is involved.
Really? I've been pinched, scratched, slapped, punched, kicked, spit on, bitten, verbally attacked, had my hair pulled, my clothes pulled, my arms twisted, the shower sprayer turned on me, and things thrown at my head! And that's if I didn't forget and leave something out... lol.
Really though, only about 2 out of every 10 residents is combative, in my experience, but it depends on your facility. I think usually people are more behaved on day shift, generally speaking.
Wow, I'm really sorry you've had to endure so much, being attacked both verbally and physically on such a scale. Two out of ten residents (20%) is quite a bit of resident to aide abuse, especially if it's on a daily basis. If they are exploding do such a degree as pulling hair, twisting arms, and throwing things at one's head, it seems they need psychiatric evaluation and treatment. As much as I would love to help people who are in a state of physical incapacity, I don't want to be a recipient of constant abuse such as that, especially if there was no way I am allowed to defend myself. Mimib mentioned that that didn't happen too much to her and on rare occasions, and that I would have been able to live with. Perhaps I should purse another route and complete my MS in Clinical Psychology, and focus on the mental health of Geriatric citizens who are in dire need of counseling and treatment. I've already completed my BA in Psychology, and it would only take me 2 years to complete my MS degree.
Thanks for sharing what your experience has been with abuse in your facility. Once again, I'm sorry you have to go through so much. It's giving me much food for thought, and so I decided I probably won't pursue the CNA route. Anything else like cleaning up these poor people, feeding them and giving them hope is one thing, but having to endure physical abuse without any protection is another thing. I endured that as a child from my stepfather, and I just can't put myself in an environment where there aren't any limitations from particular residents who seem to be mentally instable.
Thanks again for your pointers and your advice, and to everyone else on this thread who gave honest and valuable information. You all have good hearts and care so much for people, and I take my hat off to you. I so wanted to emulate you all but, as I said, I can't and/or won't allow myself to be physically abused again, even if it is from elderly, sick people.
Blessings and a good life to you all . . . :heartbeat You all are truly Angels in my book. :flwrhrts:
I understand where you are coming from and I respect that. You can serve the people in many different ways in the health care field. You seem to have a big heart and lots of compassion and I commend you on that. Do what you think is best and it will all come together. You can do whatever you set your mind to.
Best of luck and keep us posted on how things are going.
Usually the violent ones have medication that calms them down, but occassionally you get hit.
With unplesent smells, wipe an alcohol swab under your nose. It helps.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask. There are some really knowledgable CNAs on this forum, and we've all been new at one time or another!!!
I understand where you are coming from and I respect that. You can serve the people in many different ways in the health care field. You seem to have a big heart and lots of compassion and I commend you on that. Do what you think is best and it will all come together. You can do whatever you set your mind to.
Best of luck and keep us posted on how things are going.
Hugs~
Tish
Tish, thanks for your kind words which I do appreciate. It's interesting what you said about doing whatever you set your mind to. Pursuing the CNA route was something I truly wanted to do for quite some time now. Since I last posted, I've been doing a lot of thinking, soul searching and praying. I talked with my husband about all the pros and cons of pursuing this profession, and he said that this has been a passion of mine for a long time now, and that I should at least go through the training and try it for a while. He is absolutely right about that. I'm now making $24 an hour on my current job and have benefits, but for some reason I'm compelled to go into health care and do something for people who are incapacited and have no hope. I would be taking quite a cut in pay, but to me it's not about money - it's about reaching out and helping the needy and the desperate.
I've reasoned that there is the chance that some of the residents could erupt and lash out (even physically) but I'm willing to take that chance and let the chips fall where they may fall. I cannot let the abuse of the past with my stepfather stop me from pursuing something I've been wanting to do for such a long time.
So . . . after some more reading and research as to the CNA training programs available in community colleges and elsewhere, I've decided to go through the Red Cross for NA training that they offer throughout the year. I'm planning on attending one of their meetings in August, and taking a skills test that is required and one in which I would need to receive at least an 80% to be admitted. Their program is quite intense in that it is completed in 28 days. People attend classes M-F, 8-4:30 for the lectures and 7-3:30 for the clinicals. The Red Cross does charge considerably more say than an ROP or community colleges, but you can get in faster and complete the training in a shorter amount of time.
Anyway . . . I'm going to go with the flow and take it one day at a time. Later, if I'm so led, I can continue on with the LVN route or even something called S.C.A.N. that some universities offer for people who already have bachelor degrees in other than nursing. My overall GPA is 3.86, so that should help me in getting into that program and getting my MSN in Nursing. And, of course, there is always the MS in Clinical Psychology if I so choose. The thing is this: I will at least be giving things a shot - even though trying new things can be scary and even risky. But it's better than just thinking about it and later regretting that I didn't pursue something that I always dreamed about doing. Life has no guarantees, and there will always be risks no matter what one chooses in life!
But Tish, what you said about doing whatever you set your mind to really spoke volumes to me. You are right and wise in what you say. Thanks again for the encouragement and you uplifting words!
Usually the violent ones have medication that calms them down, but occassionally you get hit.
With unplesent smells, wipe an alcohol swab under your nose. It helps.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask. There are some really knowledgable CNAs on this forum, and we've all been new at one time or another!!!
Mimib, it helps me a lot to know that the violent one have medication that calms them down. I was wondering about that, especially since it can not only put staff at risk, but also other patients and visitors at risk. So . . . that is a good thing to know! I suppose I can take an occasional hit, but then I'm good at blocking! LOL I took Tae Kwon Do for a few years and learned not only blocking techniques, but also how to move out of the way if I see something moving full speed, even at a distance! I will just be more alert so as to try to avoid being hit, kicked or whatever!
Thanks for the pointer with the alcohol swab under the nose. I'll keep that in mind as well. Also thanks for saying that you all have been new at one time or another! That can be tough especially when you want to do things the right way, and be the best that you can be! I look forward to continuing to read the valuable posts on here from other CNAs, and gleaning even more information and effective ways of treating and caring for pts.
Dream Girl, I'm glad to be of help to you. You will do great, that I'm certain. We need people with your empathy and compassion. You are doing the right thing. We are never promised tomorrow, but we can make a difference today. I'm truly blessed to have had to opportunity to care for the patients that I have come in contact with. You will find that you will learn so much from these people and learn things about yourself you never knew.
Bless you and keep going for your dreams!:anpom: We'll be cheering you on!
My 2 cents is: when I started 15 years ago as a CNA I was so pumped up to take care of all my residents, (15) on my list. I was always moving fast and was determined to show I was a good CNA, and then Phoof, there is always something to stop your routine, but because I am a very hard worker (and do not take a smoke break) I most often finished just before I went home. I did the 2pm to 10 pm shift, and loved it.
My only advice to you is; if you have the time to help another cna, please do it, it will come back tenfold.
I remember 8 years ago a new cna was doing her rounds and i found her in tears in the hallway, it was 9:30 pm and all of my people were in bed sleeping and comfortable for the night and I was doing my last chores. I asked her If I could help her and she just said " I have 4 more people to do in 30 minutes! I tried to calm her down and said "ok, lets take just take one at a time and get them comfortable. She just looked at me as if I was crazy because she knew i was done with my list.
I knew that earlier the other cna's just looked at her and laughed because they thought it was funny she was new and most likely would not be done for a long time.
Together we finished by 11:00 pm. The night RN asked why we were there so late because she knows no matter what you NEVER get paid past your time, I just said "Everything is so much easier if we do them together".
Forward : I got the dream job at an awesome hospital in my area, I was so happy, but scared to DEATH.
Guess what, that same CNA I had helped years ago was my preceptor CNA at this hospital, tell me Karma does not work!. She saw me and smiled and said if you get behind, we will just take them one at a time and get them set.
God bless the people that look out for each other. the moral to this story is; more importantly, is the working together that helps our residents and patients recieve better care. I am a Nursing student now and I am so thankfull that I did start out as a CNA because I know what it is like to basic care and manage time.
I just want to also state something that I feel is very important! My sister has been a CNA for 25 years and never wanted to pursue a RN degree. I have so much respect for her and I am sure when I am a RN I will be calling her for advice.
CNA's may not be respected much, but when a RN is in the trenches, believe me, they will respect and be thankful that you are there because without you they get very far behind doing CNA tasks. I am so blessed now to work at a hospital in Portland, Maine, the nurses really treat you like a equal. They respect and are so thankful for your help.
Sorry, I guess I have created a longer post than I wanted to but I was in the moment.
My 2 cents is: when I started 15 years ago as a CNA I was so pumped up to take care of all my residents, (15) on my list. I was always moving fast and was determined to show I was a good CNA, and then Phoof, there is always something to stop your routine, but because I am a very hard worker (and do not take a smoke break) I most often finished just before I went home. I did the 2pm to 10 pm shift, and loved it.
My only advice to you is; if you have the time to help another cna, please do it, it will come back tenfold.
I remember 8 years ago a new cna was doing her rounds and i found her in tears in the hallway, it was 9:30 pm and all of my people were in bed sleeping and comfortable for the night and I was doing my last chores. I asked her If I could help her and she just said " I have 4 more people to do in 30 minutes! I tried to calm her down and said "ok, lets take just take one at a time and get them comfortable. She just looked at me as if I was crazy because she knew i was done with my list.
I knew that earlier the other cna's just looked at her and laughed because they thought it was funny she was new and most likely would not be done for a long time.
Together we finished by 11:00 pm. The night RN asked why we were there so late because she knows no matter what you NEVER get paid past your time, I just said "Everything is so much easier if we do them together".
Forward : I got the dream job at an awesome hospital in my area, I was so happy, but scared to DEATH.
Guess what, that same CNA I had helped years ago was my preceptor CNA at this hospital, tell me Karma does not work!. She saw me and smiled and said if you get behind, we will just take them one at a time and get them set.
God bless the people that look out for each other. the moral to this story is; more importantly, is the working together that helps our residents and patients recieve better care. I am a Nursing student now and I am so thankfull that I did start out as a CNA because I know what it is like to basic care and manage time.
I just want to also state something that I feel is very important! My sister has been a CNA for 25 years and never wanted to pursue a RN degree. I have so much respect for her and I am sure when I am a RN I will be calling her for advice.
CNA's may not be respected much, but when a RN is in the trenches, believe me, they will respect and be thankful that you are there because without you they get very far behind doing CNA tasks. I am so blessed now to work at a hospital in Portland, Maine, the nurses really treat you like a equal. They respect and are so thankful for your help.
Sorry, I guess I have created a longer post than I wanted to but I was in the moment.
Thanks for listening.:redbeathe
God bless you,
In Christ:heartbeat
Wow Seaspray! I'm just so touched by what you shared. As far as I'm concerned, your post isn't too long at all, and I appreciate everything you've said! I was actually in tears as I read about how the CNA you helped years ago with her pts, later became the preceptor of the hospital you're at. That is definitely karma! You've given me much food for thought and much to ascribe to. :heartbeat
When I become a CNA, I will remember to help other CNAs who are in need of assistance. To me, that will be the golden rule. I know that the pts I will be working on will also need good care, but I'll strive on developing time management while balancing it with quality. It makes sense what you said about all CNAs working together so as to provide better care for patients and residents. Also, the working environment is much better since I'm certain that creates an atmosphere of comaradarie.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Good luck as you go through nursing school! You've had so much experience and will continue to give good things and bless others with your thoughtfulness and good heart.
tishirajan
212 Posts
For transfers, always wait until you can have someone help you, always.
Patients can get violent, but it's not that often. I've only been grabbed by the arm and pinched a couple of times..hehe. This little lady used to get really mad and frustrated because she had a stroke and couldn't talk. She could only say, "Bee bo, bee bo, bee". She would pinch the crap out of us if we couldn't understand what she was saying. Usually, when you go into a pts room you go in there smiling and talking calmly and that can sometimes defuse a potential situation. There will be times that all the smiling and sweet talking in the world won't do any good. More often than not they are medicated and all will be well :wink2:
If you are prepared for the vomit, BMs, and infectious smells then you will pretty much know what you are coming up against. Sometimes it can literally knock you off your socks. I just try to hold my breath as long as I can then breath through my mouth if it's too terrible. Or a mouth full of Altoids works wonders! hehe
It perfectly fine to have lots of questions. You will never know unless you ask.
That's what the forums are for.