Resident doesn't want my assistance!

Mewsin · Jul 24, 2013

We have a few residents who don't like to be helped at all. I don't think I've experienced any resident who doesn't like me in-particular but that doesn't mean it won't happen.

What would happen if you speak with your co-workers the next time you're working to see if you can observe the way this patient likes to transfer? I know this doesn't always work because I know some of the people I work with do not like lifts and think I can lift them, lol. Sometimes people just need to have confidence in you, and you need to show them you have confidence in yourself.

You can do this. Don't cry, don't let them see you sweat. And at all costs, fake it until you make it.

I've had to out stubborn this one lady many many days but I'm polite and I don't rush her, I just wait until she is ready to go.

forbidden2know · Jul 24, 2013

dsy89

Just something to think about.....

First I want to say that it sounds like your a good caring, compassionate CNA otherwise you wouldn't have cared enough to give the whole situation another thought. (with that said)

Perhaps your looking at it all wrong. (stay with me here)

This particular resident ( I assume ) is up there in age. (right) well,

think about her experience throughout her life. What if, just what if, she experienced loosing a love one (referring to a husband or x-husband), over someone that looks like you, or possible perhaps something in you, that reminds her of the one that caused her pain in her past.

That could be the case and if so, it has nothing to do with you personally, if you stop to think about it. Since it's been almost a month now and she still hasn't changed her attitude toward you, I would just talk to the nurse about reassigning her to someone else. (it isn't your fault)

Just something to think about....'

P.S thank you for caring

mvm2 · Jul 24, 2013

This can happen many many times to you in your career when you are dealing with people, Wheather you are a CNA or a nurse. There are going to be times that for one reason or another someone will not like you or the care you are given. It can be hard to take, but you must not try to let it bother you too much to the point it is going to effect your work. I work in Home Care, and I know that I might get a client that will not like me for some reason and they can call the company and I can be taken off the case. Actually last year when I first started with the company I was working with my first client for about two months when I did something that was not bad but it bugged her enough that I was taken off the case. being my first clirnt I felt sick about it and alittle crushed and made me wonder if this was something I was suppose to do. But the schedulers told me this kind of thing happens and it is ok. I knew that I didn't do anything wrong and it is just the way things go sometimes and I can not take things personally. I now have had 5 other clients that I have had great relationships with and i love my job.

As for helping this resident, maybe you can ask her yourself how she likes to be transfered. Talk to her about it and tell her you want her to feel safe and is there anything I can do to make you feel safe as we transfer. Maybe something happened that made her feel this way that you didn't give it a second thought, like maybe you took a small stumble, or she did not feel like you were holding her secure enough. just do your best to try to create a trusting relationship with her. But know maybe it might never happen either. But just remember the other residents that do like you and that they look forward to your help everyday. She is only one resident, and perhaps will not be the last. Also I think maybe she is not the one resident that is easy to please either. I am thinking about the other CNA's reaction to you asking to help. It wasn't like she had the attitude of oh my favorite resident I will be happy to help you. No she seemed to dread to go in her room which might make you feel better knowing other CNAs can not please her either.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jul 24, 2013

It happens. You have to learn not to take it personally. Sometimes people will not like you for no justifiable reason.

However, in this case you need to find out why she feels unsafe when you transfer her. You need to determine if there is something about your technique that is making it scary and if you need to change that or if it is just a personality clash.

funtimes · Jul 25, 2013

I think this is common in nursing homes for new CNAs. You get certain residents that don't want new people helping them. It can make it really awkward for the new CNA and add lots of stress for them, especially when you get residents who are quick to accuse someone of rough treatment or abuse, knowing that's the quickest way to make sure that person wont be taking care of them. I've seen it happen. Even worse is when families get involved and insist on only certain CNAs taking care of someone. It helps to have management that backs up their CNAs but that doesn't always happen.

It also helps to have other CNAs that aren't setting up new CNAs to fail. The other CNAs probably know full well which residents are like this, and ideally would offer to take care of that person until the new person gains more experience, or at least give the newbie a heads up during orientation and maybe spend extra time showing them how to take care of these people or doing little things that might make them more receptive.

LightX · Jul 25, 2013

Don't let this resident shake your confidence.

I agree the the others. Sometimes a resident will not like you for no apparent reason. Sometimes it's because you're new. Again, I agree with the fake it til you make it. Don't let her see or know you are upset. I would NOT even go ask for another CNA to help you unless she is combative. You got this. Be confident. Go back a few minutes later if she's "sleeping".

Reassure her every single time you transfer her. "You're safe, I've got you". You may have to tell her step by step where to put her hands, where/when to move her feet, etc. it may give her the feeling that you have it under control and you know what you're doing.

In the end, if she continues to refuse your help, talk to your supervisor, it may be best to be reassigned, the resident has a right to choose who cares for her. Don't take it personally, it's not unusual. I've been called every name in the book by some resident's for no real reason. It's not you, it's them. It is what it is, and it's just part of the job.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2013

You're never going to please everyone.

50andCounting · Sep 11, 2013

Hi Frustrated,

This is going to sound like I am not addressing the issues you mentioned but I am. Since you broke down and cried, I am wondering . . .are you taking care of yourself? Getting enough sleep? Eating well before your shift and during? What about some vitamins? That is what we have to do first. With your supervisor's permission or perhaps with them by your side; ask the resident what their complaints are. Ask them to explain how are you hurting them in a transfer? Perhaps the resident is at a loss as to how to tell you their preferences? Has there been a recent upheaval in the resident's life to where they may be taking their frustration about something else out on you? I do hope this helps. Chin up. Mon the 16th is the first day of my CNA clinicals. See you around the site!

ellaballet · Sep 12, 2013

I wouldn't take it too personally, many of the residents in long term care facilities have been there for a while and get nervous around new people because they've had the same aides caring for them for years. Just go in there every day with a smile on your face and try to get her up! If she keeps refusing your care maybe talk to the charge nurse about switching her off of your assignment. She might need a little bit of time to warm up to you, you just need to keep reminding her that you are trained and confident in your skills!

i_love_patient_care · Sep 14, 2013

I've come across these type of Residents' personalities too. First of all, big hugs!! Don't let them get you down. Keep a smile on your face, and let them know as the others have said, that you are there to help.

I usually ask them if there is a different method they prefer. Some people are more OCD than others. I cared for a gentleman who preferred three folded paper towels with his dentures on his table in the morning. I cared for a lady that wanted her bedpan a certain way with towels. They get used to people knowing how they prefer to be cared for, and it bothers them when someone comes in and they don't know them. If their nurse is not busy ask them, and if you can find a CNA who knows their routine.

You sound like a caring, awesome CNA

ganurse442 · Aug 1, 2014

Honey, are you still out there? I am a nursing student and I just joined this site. Your posts caught my attention regarding GPC and I followed your posts. I don't see any posts after this one and I am wondering if you gave up. I truly hope not. I think that you sound like you have a caring and kind heart. You just need someone to guide and support you.

Over the course of the past few years, I have mentored and tutored many students. How can I help you?