SnowbirdinFL

hey folks, I work the overnight shift and I do my rounds like I'm supposed to. When the 7-3 shift shows up, they tear me a new one if even one person needs a brief change (most are incontinent). One even yelled down the hall like a banshee "X IS DIRTY AND NEEDS A BRIEF CHANGE!". I actually dread the end of shift when I should be looking forward to it and am about ready to give these shrews a piece of my mind. These same people also have the audacity to say to me "This is a 24 hr job and we don't mind changing a brief" when their actions say otherwise. How should I deal with this? I could understand their frustration if I wasn't geniunely doing my job but good Lord!

Two weeks after I passed my state exam

I used to have my hair down to the middle of my back in a ponytail. I got BM in my hair one night and when I discovered this, I washed the BM out and cut my hair. My hair is hangs about an inch below my earlobes now. I have told people that if I get BM in my hair again that I'm going to shave my head!

I trained at the Red Cross chapter of Tampa Bay. Very good instructors who were understanding and very patient with me. I know it's not an accredited program but it doesn't have to be for you to take the state exam. Total cost including uniforms and a couple miscellaneous items was $750. Official cost was about $600.

I live next door to my job

This is just meant to be a thread that shows the various kinds of folks that come upon the CNA forum. Answers can include what you used to do before being a CNA. To start this off: I considered becoming a high school English teacher until I thought of the various scenarios that could come up as an educator that cares about the quality of education that my students receive. I didn't think I could deal with the parents that don't care about their childrens' future. I know nursing has its' own pitfalls, but I realize there is only so much I can do. The floor is yours...

One of our ADL books had holes in it throughout a particular month. A new month was about to start along with new ADL sheets and the old ones would be turned in to medical records. The charge nurse on duty knew about said holes and went up to her CNAs (me included) and said "fill in the holes". She did not care who filled them in or anything. We all flat-out refused to "fill in the holes". God I hated that nurse and I'm glad I don't work with her anymore!

That would make too much sense. I know the "no brief changes between 5 and 7 rule" was in place partially because there was concern about dirty linen barrels being in the hallway at the same time as the tray carts and how this is in part a cross-contamination issue. To me, this is nonsense. I worked in food service for years and as long as you washed your hands after handling a dirty brief, you should be fine. What the *ell do I know?

I get so sick of looking at the downside to being a CNA (not bashing anyone here). I just thought of this thread idea that could be a bit funny.... To start this off... 1) I had a demented LOL who wanted a cigarette. I could not give her one because the last time said had a cigarette she set her own hair on fire. When I told her that I could not give her one (for several reasons), she replied "What the *ell kind of place is this?" That response earned her a hug! 2)I had a blind and bed-bound resident call me fat even though he had never touched me. How would he know I am fat? 3)Same above resident threatened to kick the a$$ of his PITA quad roommate. He roommate (I'm sorry to say) was a jerk so I would have paid money to see this! I know there are more out there....the floor is yours...

To start off with..I currently work 2nd shift. Will be going to 3rd shift in two weeks. Between 5 and 7 PM, we are not allowed to change briefs due to a concern regarding cross-contamination. Earlier this week, we had a special inservice because residents complained about being told their briefs could not be instantly changed (due to whatever reason) and how this is considered abuse. So should we be concerned about cross-contamination or being accused of abusing residents? I love it when you get to choose between the choices of crappy and crappier....

The previous posters are spot on with their advice. I just have one thing to say regarding feeling rushed. I would be thinking to myself "Do you want this done quickly or safely?" People that place TOO much emphasis on speed have the potential to have more incident reports (this is based on observation and unfortunately, personal experience). I refuse to allow others to rush me. (gets off soapbox) btw....it took me about six months to adjust

I so wish I could say in these instances "Are your arms and legs broken?". I know that nurses have med passes (among other things) to do, but a nice chunk of our nurses spend 1/4 of the shift behind the nurses' station NOT charting.

I am going to try to go to the 11-7 shift later on this year since I hope to go back to school later on this fall, but the next few months are not going to be easy. I know everyone has a point in their career/job where their sanity is really stretched to the limit and I am getting to that point. I doesn't help that some of the people I work with talk to me as though I am a complete moron because I have only been a CNA for 16 mths.

I know what I am about to discuss is not unique to healthcare by any means but that does not in any way condone nonsense by staff. I feel alone at my job. I feel as though I am working on a unit that discourages residents' rights and productivity. I am thinking of a particular nurse I work with and some of my co-workers that are friendly with this nurse. This post also relates to other past posts (try saying that three times fast!). I believe this nurse to be VERY manipulative in addition to lazy and while some of my coworkers see through his/her nonsense, nobody has the courage to stand up and do the right thing and I can think of a couple of reasons why. This nurse has been on vacation for the last two weeks and things have been great. Said vacation is ending soon and the nonsense will commence. I would transfer to a different unit (or as a drastic measure, work elsewhere) but I would simply be transferring from one set of problems to another and I would have to learn new coworkers habits' and new residents habits'. I see no easy way out of this. I was wondering if there was anyone I could speak to here that could relate instead of creating a new thread every time I get frustrated with this nurse or my coworkers. It's obvious that I'm a CNA just like the rest of you. If anyone can relate and justs wants someone to talk to, hit me up with a friend request.

I ended up telling the night supervisor what happened last night. I told her that I was not trying to get "Betty" in trouble but I didn't want to be guilty of hiding information. I told her that this resident was gently lowered to the floor as opposed to falling and night supervisor said that most likely an incident report was not filed. I told her next that said resident had skin tears that appeared fresh. Anyway, I'm glad that I at least said something to a supervisor. I may still be questioned about it but at least I can say that I am/was straightforward. I also spoke to this resident today and told her that if a CNA wanted to use a stand-up lift on her that she tells them NO. Some may say that telling her this may be out of line but I don't want this lady to get hurt because of someone elses' laziness/stupidity.