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I have both styles. It's been my experience that the two pocket top gets in the way. If you have to lean, bend, lift....some of the things in my pockets would fall onto the floor (gross!). When providing, care the front of my top would bump into the bedside and/or I had to watch out so the contents wouldn't spill/bump a resident. I never found them practical. I went to Wal-Mart and found single-colored scrubs. The top has one breast pocket, but the pants have three deep pockets on each leg. Very comfy and practical. I've got them in black, blue, brown, grey, red, and my favorite...booger-green! lol!

UPDATE: I resigned from the facility and will start school soon (after completing the prerequisites!) Very excited!!!

"Shut up and do what your told" is a dismissive command that would be given to someone considered unimportant. Clearly CNA's are important. I am a CNA and would take great offense to a superior believing I should be supervised in that fashion. "Work smarter, not harder" simply means utilizing your skills and intelligence in order to complete your tasks effectively and efficiently.

You are right on! I'm a CNA. I remember the emphasis that was placed on ethics in my certification class. Not just memorizing the applied terms, but understanding and believing in them. So, I know those in charge(the # "skewers", schedulers...) were taught these things too. They must have had the flu during the ethics portion. Of course, none of us need an education to know this principle of ethics, our parents/guardians raised us w/ it; Categorical Imperatives-"THE GOLDEN RULE"! If we at least remember, honor, and live by that in healthcare none of these things in your post would be happening. "THE GOLDEN RULE" or CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES, if followed honestly/ethically leaves no worry that the other areas of health ethics aren't being applied. Justice, Beneficence, Duty, Fidelity, Veracity...

maybe your CNA was so overwhelmed they just felt like they needed to finish a task they had started in order to feel like they accomplished *something.* From a CNA's perspective: What are we...children? If I am passing out drinks and someone needs toileting/pericare, I stop what I'm doing and tend to that person. Checking to make sure everyone has something to drink is something that should be done every time we enter or before we exit a resident's room("we" means everyone on the healthcare team). So many things can happen on a shift in an instant and by waiting to pass out drinks to everyone at a certain time is not practical. Work smarter, not harder. Providing healthcare is about the resident's/patient's feelings and needs not ours (whether "we" are doctors, nurses, therapists, cna's, housekeeping, dietary, administration, (a)don...).

Thank you everyone for you support and advice. I'm hoping to speak w/ the DON today. The sad truth is that the DON knows what's going on. I received a message questioning whether or not I truly took my job seriously and understood what it means to be a caregiver. I called back and asked if her schedule would allow us to discuss this in person. I explained if there was any question about my intelligence, work ethic, and passion for healthcare that we should discuss this in person. Mind you, I am completely insulted having even been asked(left message on machine) this question. I didn't let on to my feelings in order to meet in person. I am waiting for a call back w/ the time for our appointment. Basically, after I "re-interview" for my position and how I discovered this was what I was meant to do, I am going to give my 2 weeks notice. The Don has my grades, seen me work(one reason for so many residents), and knows my story. I don't want to work for someone that won't be an advocate for the parts of the healthcare team that are passionate and do care. I also worry what other LTC's and hospitals opinions are of this facility. If I can see through the "B.S." as a new CNA, I'm sure potential employers might not look at this place as a good reference, but will hopefully see that I knew this and gave notice anyway.

The only way I manage is never stopping. Continuous rounds and answering lights as they come. I chart everything, type of care provided, refusal of care, behavior/behavior changes, vitals, BMs, I&O, treatments, awake/sleep.... I want to quit, but I still haven't. I know I am underpaid, and getting used. I feel like if I don't, then who will? I'm getting faster, but still cry on the way home. For some reason though, I feel like I am in the right place for now. I don't know why, but I just feel that way. Does this make any sense or am I crazy?

I never use the Hoyer lift by myself. But I do use the Sit To Stand by myself if the DON has deemed the resident as a SSx1 (Sit TO Stand w/ a one person transfer). Is this wrong?

I really don't want to get sucked into an argument. But I have to ask one more question. Do you know the meaning of, "Oh tongue, thou art caustic"? It describes your first post on this thread. Pardon, my lady, mine tongue be caustic now.... That means----Excuse me ma'am, but now I am going to be rude. Before trying to appear witty or clever with the use of Olde English, make sure you understand the point you are trying to make. Google it if you must. All you've succeeded in doing is allowing me to have a good laugh and reinforce my original post to you, "I feel sorry for the people that depend on you for their care". Take a nap, hang up the ego, don't waste your time in responding....I'm bored. Now that's caustic :)

There is a resident that frequently asks to call her sister. The sister has clearly stated in the resident's file all calls are to be made on Sunday before 6pm, unless there's a medical emergency. When asked, by the resident, to call her sister on the other days, I pick up the phone, pretend to dial the number, and leave a "message". I do this in front of the resident and then tell her I left a message and that her sister will call her back shortly. She thanks me and goes on w/ her day. The first time I tried this was because I witnessed a nurse yelling at her, "Your sister doesn't want you to call until Sunday!" The nurse yelled after the resident asked about 20 times. The nurse was a miffed and surprised because I stepped on her toes (I'm a CNA) and that it worked and STILL works. I explained to the nurse that I had to try something when she resorted to yelling at the resident. It's obvious that a person w/ their "wits" about them wouldn't ask the same question in the same manner/fashion 20 times to the same person. Another resident wants to go home. I pack her a small bag and tell her I'm going to warm up the car and that I'll be back. I step out into the hall and after a few minutes, she falls asleep. No meds!! Here's where I'm stumped-There are a few residents that forget they are no longer able to walk. They have low-beds, pressure alarms, and ambulatory alarms. I never have less than 24 residents to care for, usually 40-45. So when their dementia/Alzheimer's takes them to a place where they believe they still get around independently, I am rarely close by. The low-bed and alarms are great for warning me that someone is about to get up. But if I'm across the facility, the alarms only alert that a fall is happening. ADM won't increase staff. I don't know how to fix this one. Someone is going to really get hurt one day.

Does the facility your friend works at schedule her for CNA shifts instead of hiring more aides? If so, that isn't right. Or is she an RN lending a hand to her fellow aides? If so, she is awesome and there should be more RN's like her. When she works as a CNA does she get paid her RN wage? If so, be happy for the hours and pay. Performing the duties of a CNA will keep her humble, well rounded, and overall a better nurse. I don't know your friend's nursing history or experience, but if her employer is actually scheduling her as a CNA, maybe there is another reason.

I feel very sorry for the people that depend on your care. Leigh's story/problem isn't uncommon, you of all people should know this. Why is Leigh to blame? Your response makes no sense. There is such a thing called, "constructive criticism", but you were just plain rude.

I had 45 residents on my last shift that need total care. Seems like someone always has to wait because I can't be everywhere at once. I have long given up taking breaks, because I don't want them to be left unattended. I feel terrible and cry on my drive home for not being faster. I also have trouble coping when someone passes with this aide to resident ratio. I never break down at work, just on the drive home and when I'm alone. I love what I do, I just feel so sad sometimes.

Every shift there are residents that need barrier creams and/or skin preps applied to certain areas. The charge nurse can do this themselves or give the task to the CNA. I am a CNA, and the charge nurse and I decided it seems more practical for me to do it during rounds. One shift I was straightening a residents room and found a stack of labeled skin preps and creams(now dried) hidden behind a figurine. I checked the other rooms I rooms I was assigned that shift w/ residents requiring those treatments and found the same thing. These treatments can be given while repositioning, giving peri-care, during rounds...Why would someone(s) not do them and hide them? Why would someone(s) hide them instead of throwing them away? These treatments take seconds....why?

I thought the original post read that this nurse is good w/ the patients and educated. Seems like her job holds a lot of responsibility and stress. She probably takes it very personally when her team is unhappy. Just because she is educated, a manager, and a nurse, doesn't mean she can't vent when things get rough. She's still a human being.

It seems like the tantrums and laughing are coping methods for feelings of anxiety. Did the employee confront her in front of other people? Do a lot of employees attend the inservice? Notice, in the situations you described, she removes herself when her behavior changes. Maybe she has panic/anxiety disorder and certain social environments trigger the symptoms. Thank goodness she was able to get to a safe place and not get paralyzed by her moods and forced to ride them out in front of an audience. The next time you see her as you described, try a little patience and empathy. Try offering her the same courtesy you are suppose to give your patients. You stated yourself that she is a good nurse, educated, and good w/ the patients. It seems obvious that she can't help it when these episodes surface. You think it's weird, imagine how it must torment her. You can use your knowledge and experience in healthcare w/ coworkers too. Be kind.

Depends on how many residents you have and their needs. Lately, when I finish my rounds, it's time to start them again. The residents keep me hoppin'! There is less co-worker drama which makes it much easier to handle and solve the curve-balls that happen in every shift.

The employer can't necessarily force you, but they can make it company policy that all employees must get certain vaccinations.

Hopefully none the residents' health were affected. Hopefully proper measures were taking to avoid cross contamination when moving the residents to other facilities. UTI, conjunctivitis, MRSA, C DIFF can spread very easily.

Just saw on the 10pm news. Due to last weeks weather, the well at this facility froze and has been w/o running water for at least a few days. Instead of evacuating the property, the residents were given bottled water, the bathrooms were all out of order (toilets/sinks), soiled linens unable to be cleaned, no mention of how the meals were prepared or what they were prepared on. Someone living in the area discovered what was going on and reported it. When authorities arrived to investigate, the persons in charge of emergencies like these began the process of evacuating the residents and a company was contacted to repair the well, pipes, etc...Evacuation plans and repair plans began only after the facility's conditions were discovered. A member of the team in charge of inspecting the facility reported that the conditions inside were unlivable, septic, and the odor was something they hadn't experienced. Investigators have been unable to track down the owner and those involved w/ the facility don't seem to have any contact info on the owner either. This is HORRIFYING!!!! I know that a lot of elderly are never visited by family or friends. How did they manage to get 30-odd people in one place w/ no ties to the outside. Nevermind, it totally could be done. The weather could also make it difficult for visits, but they must have known someone would show up eventually?!?!? An employee reported off-camera that the well hasn't frozen this bad in a long time. SO, this isn't the first time these poor residents have had to live in such conditions. This is the first time the facility got caught!!!! Will those involved will receive any punishment? Doesn't this fall under abuse, neglect, and exploitation? Scary to think what will be found during the building inspection. A thorough audit/investigation should be done. How did this facility pass state inspections and meet code requirements? What is the money paid to the facility for each resident being used for? How is the facility paid? If by private, gov't, charities....is there a chance for fraud? How did they get away w/ this and for how long? NOW!!! To those who kept quiet in order to make money, you are worse than the excrement filled toilets. How can you live w/ yourself? To those who kept quiet in order to save their jobs, you are also worse than the excrement filled toilets. These residents were once like you, regular people, trying to make ends meet AND you didn't protect them. That could be you down the road!!! One day some of you might find yourself totally dependent on the care of others, imagine having to live like that. No where to go, no one to protect you. Karma might pay you a visit someday. This happened more than once. How did they manage to keep the anyone from telling? Fear tactics?

Before leaving a room I always have to wipe my face and neck of w/ paper towels because I am drenched w/ sweat. Plus the heat is always on because most of the residents get cold easily so I am always sweaty. I make a joke out my "issue" w/ staff and residents. I know my perspiring is obvious, so by pointing it out myself, laughing at myself, gets everyone else laughing instead of wondering, "Does she feel that dripping off her nose?" Turning my freakiness into laughter has helped to relieve my anxed and hopefully cut-down the "whispers".

I got rid of most of the co-worker drama by switching to nights. Much easier to provide care to 40-50 residents w/o dealing w/ the soap opera stuff. Drama breeds like a cancer if you can't find a way to remove yourself from it.

I was shadowing a male aide and we were changing the bedpads for a woman w/ Alzheimer's while she was in bed. Suddenly she began to scream, "Help! He's raping me!" I was right there, and the male aide was not inappropriate in any way. Even though he knew the woman didn't mean it, or probably even remember screaming, it still bothered him. He kept saying the "what if's" What if I wasn't shadowing him that night. What if there was a co-worker that didn't like him and aggravated the situation. What if the charge nurse and family believed the resident.... The whole ordeal really upset and scared him.