Older PCA/CNA

Girlygirl69 · Sep 3, 2011

My sun has been a nursing assistant for years. Now that she can't do the job due to back aches and bad knees she has enough sense to request to only do 1:1's and on the side she does private duty work for patients. I appreciate her for knowing when it's time to throw in the towel

MsHelloKitty,LVN · Sep 3, 2011

I usually agree with the idea that with age comes wisdom, more experience, and improved quality because of these factors, but when hiring assistant staff, STOP hiring old people!!!!!!! Lmao, my floor was in need of an aide during the night shift and my hospital hired a lady old of enough to be my grandmother. God bless her soul but she works at snails speed, limps while walking, and can't lift for sh!t. What's the point? When we send her to draw labs she comes back and says "I cant see the vein" or when she supposed to be emptying coleus she complains of a bad back. I like the lady and I respect my elders, so I'm the dumb @as nurse who does it for her because I feel for her. I'm sure she's getting over on me, but what should we do?

:down: :mad:

BrazoriaLVN · Sep 3, 2011

I find that older CNA's are the ones that do a better job. I don't have to worry about the residents being changed and re positioned right. They always put A+D, do oral care, and position them just right. They might be a little slow, but I can deal with it if it means the job is done right. And not all of them are slow-some of the younger CNA's (including me when I was one) had trouble keeping up. It's the younger ones I have an issue with-they can't seem to get off their iPhone for 5 seconds to answer a call light.

P.S. Before you say I'm biased because i'm "old"-i'm in my twenties. Are you one of those people my age that find people in their fourties ancient? I guess we have a different definition of "old." >85=old.

Crux1024 · Sep 3, 2011

I think most are missing the point. Its not so much an age factor, but ANYONE that is unable to do their job should probably not be working. I understand current circumstance may call for working into old age, but if youre not able to actually DO the job, then honestly what is the point? It falls on coworkers to pick up the slack regardless of that persons inability to pay their bills and mortgage. This is applicable at any age.

Girlygirl69 · Sep 3, 2011

I find that older CNA's are the ones that do a better job. I don't have to worry about the residents being changed and re positioned right. They always put A+D, do oral care, and position them just right. They might be a little slow, but I can deal with it if it means the job is done right. And not all of them are slow-some of the younger CNA's (including me when I was one) had trouble keeping up. It's the younger ones I have an issue with-they can't seem to get off their iPhone for 5 seconds to answer a call light.
P.S. Before you say I'm biased because i'm "old"-i'm in my twenties. Are you one of those people my age that find people in their fourties ancient? I guess we have a different definition of "old." >85=old.

Ahhhh, no I'm not

mamaxmaria · Sep 3, 2011

Everyone does help each other, in my unit at least...but the older techs flat out refuse to do anything physically demanding....

And my facility recently became a no lift facility....got all the lifts and everything.... But no one wants to use it because they feel it takes to much time to get the machine...set it up.... When we could have the pt pulled up already....

Yeah its better then breaking your back but sometime there just isn't time

leslie :-D · Sep 3, 2011

i wonder what would happen if all pct's refused heavy lift r/t a disabled back?

i think we all understand and even have compassion for those who have physical limitations.

but if 1 can be excused, then theoretically, why couldn't all do the same?

that'd be a fine mess, yes?

compassion is not going to get the job done.

sometimes we need to be practical and not worry about the single woman trying to raise her family, or the elderly person who is incapable of fulfilling job duties...

i'm sorry, but if you apply for a position, it's only fair to ensure that all are qualified.

because if they're not, what's good for the goose, is good for the gander. :twocents:

leslie

OCNRN63, RN · Sep 4, 2011

I think most are missing the point. Its not so much an age factor, but ANYONE that is unable to do their job should probably not be working. I understand current circumstance may call for working into old age, but if youre not able to actually DO the job, then honestly what is the point? It falls on coworkers to pick up the slack regardless of that persons inability to pay their bills and mortgage. This is applicable at any age.

Am I ever glad I don't work with people like you. I have had to have major accommodations made for me to work. I don't know how long this will go on, but my employer and my co-workers have been supportive of whatever I am able to do, for as many hours as I can do it.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

Everyone does help each other, in my unit at least...but the older techs flat out refuse to do anything physically demanding....
And my facility recently became a no lift facility....got all the lifts and everything.... But no one wants to use it because they feel it takes to much time to get the machine...set it up.... When we could have the pt pulled up already....
Yeah its better then breaking your back but sometime there just isn't time

Yeah, about that not having the time to use the equipment...how long does it take to recover from a back injury? What if you have a patient grab you around the neck and pop a disc? (and I know how it's supposed to be done, but patients do reach out and do what they aren't supposed to :)) What will it be like when you or your co-worker can't work, and nobody is around to fill in?

Fiona59 · Sep 4, 2011

Am I ever glad I don't work with people like you. I have had to have major accommodations made for me to work. I don't know how long this will go on, but my employer and my co-workers have been supportive of whatever I am able to do, for as many hours as I can do it.

I have a friend who works on a unit where there are three out 27 nurses who can lift. The other 24 are accomodations. They also have two nurses who are well past 65, draw their pensions and their wages. One nurse can't walk two city blocks pushing a wheelchair.

It's a major crisis when they wind up with a total care on that unit. I've been floated over to help due to the limitations of the staff there.

I'm not young either so don't have me as an elder hater. Accomodate one or two staff members but 24? Support only goes so far.

Crux1024 · Sep 4, 2011

Am I ever glad I don't work with people like you.

Likewise. :uhoh3:

I understand youre ofended however that does not make my post less valid. As another poster said, what happens when every worker needs accomodations, or theres just 2 workers that have to do it all b/c no one else can? Where is the line drawn? Do we allow substandard care, pts in wet beds, no turns b/c the staff is unable? Im glad you have an accomodating workplace, but some places all it takes is one person to make or break your day.

Mulan · Sep 4, 2011

Have you gone to your manager about it?

Written it up that she can't or won't fulfill the duties of the job description?