Tabithaa711

I almost accepted a position from a second rate place I wasn't familiar with right out of school. I held out and accepted a position at a much better place with much better pay and I love where I work. I'd work per diem and wait for a position at the hospital you really want. :)

We're human. We make mistakes. You'll never make that mistake again. Don't be too hard on yourself :)

You did say, secured entrance? If you came in the door from your break and the resident surprised you and tried to dart out the door before it closed, you could have blocked the door with your body and pulled it closed. The resident might've still punched you in the side or something a couple times.. but yeah I'm thinking carrying the resident to their room while they're punching you in the face to 'protect the other residents' was over doing it.. Dementia care isn't for everyone.

I have had a muscle spasm in my thigh, it happens more when I'm dehydrated or working out. I can physically see the muscle (or whatever, not sure it's a muscle) twitching. But without looking at it, it does feel like a cell phone going off.

With the resident who's two heavy; Don't feel bad about asking for help lifting at all! Care is so much easier when you have enough hands. Ask the other aide if there's a good time for you two to go take care of that resident or how they usually do them. Explain that they're too much for you. With the resident that's combative: Ask the other caregivers to show you what exactly works best for that resident and what they do. See how they approach the resident. With some of my dementia residents, if you call them Patty instead of Patricia (for example, not a real resident), They'll do anything you tell them to. With some residents, if you wait too late at night they're tired and don't want to cooperate and it's better to put them to bed earlier. With some residents, if you know their husband or wife's name, you can mention 'Bill told me you've got to get in your pajamas!'. It just really really goes with getting to know the residents. Sometimes, you can walk away and come back and re-approach and they'll be completely different. Always keep a smile on your face, and take your time. Once you figure out what works, it's so rewarding. Stick with it!