Eden101

I am really glad that you are studying this in a serious way. I became a CNA as a middle-aged widow. I was shocked at how I was treated as a newbie at the nursing home where I worked. My supervisor enjoyed bullying me, usually in front of other workers. She would criticize and humiliate me, and then laugh because it was "funny." Needless to say, other workers figured out that it was not cool to befriend me. I felt completely alone and unsupported. I left that job after 3 months. The politics were incredible and I was constantly amazed at the hostility, cliquishness, and sheer pettiness of some of the staff. My contribution to this problem was that I was a recent widow and quite vulnerable. I was unsure of myself and consequently, was very slow. I was terrified of doing something wrong and hurting residents. I found that it was not acceptable to ask questions. This was interpreted as being lazy and not wanting to do my own work. The nursing home was constantly experiencing staffing shortages - was this surprising? A friend and mentor, an LPN, explained to me that hospital and nursing home nurses are a different breed from home health aide nurses. I have now been working in home health for 6 years and have found that it is a different world. I am considered to be one of the best home health aides by my clients and my agency. I considered going into nursing but have decided to go into health information technology instead. I would welcome discussing this issue some more or being part of a study, because I want to succeed in the work world and get along with my co-workers. I don't want to believe that they were as awful as they seemed. Constructive responses would be very welcome. Thank you!