Not sure how to be CNA

Clover19 · Sep 18, 2019

I may not be the most qualified person to answer this, but I thought I'd reply anyways ?

I'm a an NA on a dementia unit in a nursing home, and there have been so many instances where residents say things that are rude or inappropriate. In my opinion, it's best to learn your residents/patients - because everyone is different! For some residents I've learned that it's better to just ignore it, because responding to it might get you nowhere or it might agitate them further. With other residents, I may politely tell them that it's not okay to say those things & they apologize right away. Of course yelling or fighting them back is never a good idea, but I really think the way you respond depends on the person you are dealing with.

Like I said, I know my situation is different than yours but at the same time I can imagine that there are some parallels between psych patients & dementia patients! Hope this is at least somewhat helpful ?

T.TNurse · Oct 10, 2019

I'm a CNA in long term care and we do have dementia patients who do act erratic and get combative. I was scratched and spitted on before. I just usually stop and let them calm down before resuming what I'm doing. If you keep calm and try your best to smile, they more likely to be nicer.

Wannabenurseneko · Oct 18, 2019

I had experience one on my CNA training and the best thing is to stay positive if they say anything negative like if they say “ I hate you” say “thank you “ it throws them off. That’s just a little tip . I forgot to add I also looked after a lady that was mentally ill, so I guess that makes 2