Raised my voice to dementia patient

[ellybean27]

Hi, I'm new here and I'm having some problems at my job as a CNA.

Ive been at my hospital for 9 years and recently I've come under fire from management for little things. It would take too long to explain the details.

Well, last night, I had an HOH patient with dementia. I was trying to get her clean and she began resisting and pushing back. It was the end of a busy shift, and I became flustered and loudly said "[pts name], you're wet, I need to change you. Can you please roll for me? Please help me change you, please help me!" And one of the RN's overheard. I told her I'm having trouble changing the patient and she helped me finish my task.

If she for some reason reports me to management, is this grounds for being reprimanded or fired for patient abuse? I know this may sound silly, but I also got in trouble a few months ago for taking a deep breath near a patient. Management at my job is very overbearing and (almost proudly) fosters a hostile environment. I'm sorry, I'm just very scared and have nowhere else to ask.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

It doesn't sound silly, at all. Your behavior, even as you describe it, is not appropriate. You sound burnt out. I can't imagine reporting a CNA for something like this unless there have been multiple instances. I've only had to do it once ...and in that case, I sent the CNA out of the room and finished the task, myself.

Facilities have wildly different ways of dealing with these types of complaints, so I don't know what they would do. Just try to keep things from getting to this point in the future ...especially since you're already been "dinged" at least once.

[ellybean27]

I'm absolutely burnt out, I'm not doubting that. I just can't change jobs for a little while because I'm moving. They are very weird about their policies, one CNA was almost fired for venting, while another stayed on with only a talking-to after starting a fist fight. I don't know if I should just up and quit in advance and just be unemployed for a stint, or try to wait and see what happens until I can change jobs.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You have come under management's radar. What is the cellphone policy? Use of a PED can be grounds for dismissal.

I understand you are walking on eggshells now. IF the nurse reports you for raising your voice to a HOH patent, that interpretation would be up the manager .. that has you on radar.

I would be ready to make a move. Nine years as a CNA can open many doors for you.. where radar has not been applied.

Good luck.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Can you work in a non-healthcare job and focus on recovering from burnout? It is probably a healthier option than staying in healthcare and being fired.