Jen{NAR}

haha, I thought the whole laundry "it's too much work" thing was just at my facility. They are always like things are too heavy. When we get little notes like that I am like in my head "what is their problem it's not like we ((nursing staff)) have the capabilities to lighten our loads when we want to--we just keep working". Wow...

I have been a CNA for two years now and have asked my parents many of times if it would be so bad if this was my career. They usually say something along the lines of "what ever makes you happy..." but the tone in their voice says otherwise. My mother has also said you need to make more money and being a nursing assistant won't pay you enough ((which is true but life is not about money--to me)). Long story short, before I got my CNA I didn't really ask anyone if it was okay for me to go to CNA training. Now after two years I have to question whether to move on from this very satisfying and rewarding career.

Thank you, for the appreciation! :hpygrp: and :ancong!: on being a new grad and assisting your aides with a little helping hand

Yeah, this is normal, I have worked for a facility where at least one person called in per shift daily. It's rather stressful and just takes it's toll on the aides and nurses that rarely call in ((I have only called in twice in the two year I have been working there)). It's crazy...and the thing is when people do call in normally we try to call someone in to cover the shift but no one wants to work...:: sighs :: Off to work I go ((and I hope that there are no call ins))

UniformAdvantage has good sales racks if you have one that is near you ((I heard that they were having a tramendous sale this month $2.99 scrubs and I think it is their annual sale)). I also go to LifeUniform and shop their clearance racks because I can't justify spending $30.00 on one top and another 25 for the bottoms. Allheart.com has good selections, too.

Isn't that the truth? I hate that the healthcare field thinks that nursing assistants are comparable to retail and fast food; however, I happen to be lucky enough to work at a facility that compensates their aides rather well ((when you don't take the benefits)); however, when I no longer am able to be without benefits I am going to have to probably take a huge pay cut in my base pay. I think that the entire nursing staff should get a $3.00-5.00 raise in their salaries because this would get the nurses what they want and a decent living for us aides.

Mine should be fairly obvious. My name is Jenna and I am a NAR ((Jen/naR)). Simple with a twist.

Over time your body and emotions become slightly numb. Now just because I say that my emotions are numb does not mean that I don't care about my residents 100%. It just means that I don't cry my eye balls every time that they say something saddening, rather I smile and laugh with them giving their hands light squeezes or pats on the back. The happier you act the easier it is to get through the day without breaking down. Doesn't mean I don't drive home thinking about the little old lady that just won't eat and complains of everything and have tears come to my eyes. T.T I love my job That helps too...the fact that I love my job...going to work and seeing my people well cared for and not too aggitated. And WE all are helping them.

At my facility we are pretty good. We truly do care about our residents, but when we work short ((which management hates the term so they assigned a different term for us to use if residents or family ask)) everything doesn't get done as good as it should be done. We are also like a second family at my facility but that doesn't mean that there are not call ins every other day, lazy staff, and mean residents ((I find the meaner they are the more I like them--might have something to do with the time spent with them )) Overall, I love my job--even if it is hard and demanding.

Yeah, I think you overreacted. You really need to stay longer than a day. I freaked out for like two weeks before I learned to love my job. When it came to the procedures it is hard to break the habit of doing things strictly by the book, but you have to break through that cold medical covering and open up to the reality of it all. These are people you are working with and yes we need to be professional and give privacy but if a patient wants me to do something that is not by the book ((such as using the sink bowl instead of the basin I'll do it because it's their life and they have a choice--unless it's a double room, that would be mildly gross )) or telling them that you love them--this is a biggy that I found shocking--technically we are not supposed to tell them that "we love them" but in the end how can you not after caring for them for almost 2 years ((and if they tell you that they love you, how can you not say it back? Good golly if someone didn't tell me that they loved me back after I said it I would become sad and sullen)). Also if you are completely serious all the time it's not good...these people are not always as serious as you may think. I have a lady who I swear is 20 years old, but she isn't You have to be able to have fun and let these people know they are at home and not in a medical institution.

I am thankful very much for: My wonderful job ((LTC but I love it)) My family My friends My residents ((especially when they do something that makes you know that they know you care and that they care about you)) My home My car My sense of self My strength ((both physical and mental)) P.S. Beautiful posting by the way

I am also not a nurse, but with being a NAR at a LTC facility I get a wide perspective from the admins, nurses, dietary, and fellow NARs. I really love my job. I think that the ability to get to know and care for your residents longer than 8 hours is a huge benefit. It is definitely tough and doesn't pay the greatest but it pays enough and it is very satisfying to go into your job and see your residents. They also are glad to see you and to me it feels kind of like a second home. I find this job a little less like a job and more like--I don't know the word for it. If someone knows the word for it let me know.

The look=:uhoh21: I give this look all the time to my nurses when I know they are not going to like what I have to request

When I first started as an aide at a LTC facility I had pretty much the same experience. I would tell myself I am terrible, I can't believe that I am so slow, they all probably hate me, and I should just quit--but each day when I finished just a little bit sooner than the day before I would say "tomorrow will be better." And for the most part it was and still continues to be. LTC is tough but it is an amazing job after you get the hang of it--took me at least 2.5 months to feel fairly confident and I still have moments where I think OMG I am a terrible aide and I should be doing better and be perfect. Also...the real world is not like class time...in my training they prepare you for bed bound patients. In most situations this is not the case. Don't worry, stick it out, breathe, and just do your best because someday in the future it will be your best and you will be glad you stuck it out. Good luck!

It's moments like these that you just sit back, take a deep breath, and smile. Awesome!