Acutecat

Hi, I can so relate to your situation, I work in a 116 bed SNF and the only difference is we have a 24 hour ED with a supervisor for help. Don't get me wrong, there have been numerous situation where the supervisor has dummied up. I know your agony, the most falls I've had on Day shift was 7 one was a LOL who fell from her w/c and split open her skull. The aide caring for her witnessed the fall and was with her throughout the stitching (40 stitches) in the ED. The LOL only spoke spanish so my aide had to translate the whole process for her. I have worked with these people for 10 years, 8 on the line with them and the last 2 as their Nurse Manager. I have to tell you, as hard as it was I as the RN NM made this aide talk with the family. It was horrific for this aide, but you know, ever since, she has made her mission to assure that no resident who could be a potential fall is left alone in their room. It sounds cruel, but after watching her with this whole situation, I realized there is no discipline that could have made her more aware of her responsiblity as explaining to the family why she turned her back on a LOL whose safety had been placed in her hands. Since this episode, I have made it a practice to include the aides & team leaders be present when talking with the family members regarding any complaint they might have. I have seen a significant decrease in "accidental injuries". It is ultimately our responsiblity I agree, but in order for the care givers to focus and understand the scope of their license, they must take responsibility and be accountable for their actions. Your devotion to these residents is apparent with your heart felt tears. But let me ask you this, did any one of the caregivers caring for your 7 falls spend even 1 minute crying over what you are??? It took alot of tears and anger on my part before I realized, that I'll go to the ends of the earth for my staff as long as I know their on the same journey I am. I am so sorry to hear of your situation, but as I said, until these LVN's and aides walk even an hour in your shoes and understand what you do for them, they will never give you the respect and loyalty you desearve. Hang in there my friend, GOD knows you try to prevent poor outcomes. Give your staff a chance to prove their committment to both you and the resident's they are caring for. Good luck and never give up. People like you are why LTC facilities are still in business. God Bless you, you have friends out here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After having my son, he was a premie and I was single, scared and didn't think I could even hold this teeny weeny 4 lb bundle of JOY? It was the dedicated Nurse who sat at my bedside with the patience of an angel while I came to the realization that what she was holding was really mine. She was supportive, understanding, didn't push and never judged me. She had such compassion and truly loved her job. I thought my GOD, I want to make someone feel that way. So off to nursing school I went. Many times I thought 'What the heck am I doing" but after my first rotation and got past the initial hesitation of "caring" for another individual it was magic. I went into LTC and have to admit, it's tough. Dealing with my first death, post mortem care Ugh. I kept waiting for this dead person to open their eye's and say something. LTC is really helping people accept the unacceptable, DEATH. You deal with family guilt, hope, fear, frustration and a lot of anger. But if your heart is in it, you realize that what you are doing is more than a job. It's paving the way to closure for everyone. I have grown as a person in so many ways working with the elderly. They are fabulous, their quirky personalities, their defiance, their pride. I once had my son tell me I spent more time with my patients than I did with him, OUCH so I took him to the hospital, I told him he didn't need to be jealous or angry but until he actually met these folks it was tough. Once he got past the fear of an "old person" (he was 5) he had a blast. And my resident's? It was incredible to see their faces light up, telling stories you can only get in history books. I realized, that our elderly population are so vital and so many are put in a home and forgotten, what a waste. Body fluids are the least of your problems, attachment is the killer. Each one that passes takes a piece of me with them, but I'll be the first one their to hold their hands and tell them its okay to let go. Picking your field of practice is crucial to your career longevity. I admire all nurses in all area's of nursing, but if you really want to make a difference, Long Term Care is the place for you.