I'm not sure if this is the apropriate place for this thread so forgive me if it is not.
I am not a nurse (yet) but have taken a job at a local nursing home as a resident aide. My reason was to get some experience as I will be going to school for nursing soon. Today was my first day and I have some severe concerns. Please tell me if this is the norm, or are these red flags???
The home is owned by a company in England. They just took over and nearly all the staff has quit due to changes (cut in pay..hours..that sort). The English owner is here for 2 weeks and has ordered that the facility was spending way too much money in food and thus has made up a precise menu on portions..leaving no room for seconds. The people are quite used to be able to get their fill. I asked if the restrictions were Dr ordered..answer was no..which is how I learned about the "cut".
Security: When I first applied, I rang the bell. A resident allowed me in. No one was around for a good 5 mins.. I could have been anyone walking in. Furthermore, a resident can just walk out. And it is right off a main road. NO gates.
Hazards: Where do I begin? Bleach, cleaners..meds.. all within easy reach and plain sight of residents. Again TODAY WAS MY 1st day.. I have not been trained, I have NEVER done this stuff before. I was handed a diaper and told to go change a resident. Ok, how.... A baby is easy to move around, an adult?? OMG that was rough, but I managed. My concern is...since I havent been trained, what if I hurt one...move them the wrong way?? Which lead me to another resident. When I got him to roll over, he screamed in pain.. I panicked and asked what was wrong..he told me where it hurt and after some digging..learned he had fallen a few days back, no report was made..and the Admin had just found out about it and ordered some x-rays.. How do I know I didnt hurt him even more???
I applied as a resident aide..however, I did housekeeping most of the day..on top of watch residents, change diapers, and help feed them. Im not complaining but the staff is myself, the cook..and the Admin during the day...for 11 residents. It's a bit hard to "watch the floor" if I'm in the laundry room or mopping a residents room. Is this how it works?
My biggest problem is how easily anyone can walk in or out and all the safety hazards..or am I over reacting? If anything, I learned this today... should the day come where my parents need care.. it will be by me..not a nursing home.
Do not worry bonesrn, I will not be going back, and I have contacted 3 state agencies..all of which that are getting involved.
I really do want to get into the medical field..preferrably nursing. I have been checking into different avenues as I have no Nursing experience/education so I am starting at square 1. I was told it would be a good idea to start as a resident aide to get some direct/indirect patient care experience..which is how I fell into that job.
I have been reading through this site and Im finding it extremely useful. There are two vocational schools here that offer an 11 month LPN program... but after reading so much through this site, I cannot see how so much information can be taught in such a short amount of time. I've also learned that the hospital here in town offers schooling, plus you work 32 hrs aweek at the hospital while you attend school. They pay for it as long as you sign a contract agreeing to work 1yr for them after graduation. I called twice on this, but cannot seem to reach anyone in the education department. Will try again in the morning.
Kudos to you Blueapple! You did a great thing in reporting this horrific situation. You will make an excellent nurse someday. I wish you luck in whatever it is you do. We need more nurses like you so don't give up! Keep us posted.
You are not over reacting. It is good to know new people in the field of patient care have enough smarts & concern for their fellow man to worry about these conditions. If I were you I would worry about being sued for some action you were not informed of avoiding. They say "if you don't know - then you don't know what to ask".
blueapples
14 Posts
Do not worry bonesrn, I will not be going back, and I have contacted 3 state agencies..all of which that are getting involved.
I really do want to get into the medical field..preferrably nursing. I have been checking into different avenues as I have no Nursing experience/education so I am starting at square 1. I was told it would be a good idea to start as a resident aide to get some direct/indirect patient care experience..which is how I fell into that job.
I have been reading through this site and Im finding it extremely useful. There are two vocational schools here that offer an 11 month LPN program... but after reading so much through this site, I cannot see how so much information can be taught in such a short amount of time. I've also learned that the hospital here in town offers schooling, plus you work 32 hrs aweek at the hospital while you attend school. They pay for it as long as you sign a contract agreeing to work 1yr for them after graduation. I called twice on this, but cannot seem to reach anyone in the education department. Will try again in the morning.
~G'nite