Should I call protective services?

[Lizzly]

I work at an assist living home as a C.N.A. for almost a year now and ready to tell them to shove it where the sun doesn't shine for putting so much on us. All the C.N.A working with me is complaining about the need of an extra person working on building 300 instead of one person because four of the residents needs full assistants. Two of the residents call every 10 minutes for silly reasons and don't really need assistants with anything. The boss said we need 10 people on that building before he puts another C.N.A over there and now they are saying we must have 15 residents over there before putting two C.N.A in building 300. The 300 building won't hold 15 people because two of the room have a stinky odor and they won't use them. Although everyone complains about the overload, the boss won't listen to us. We even a family member complaining about the lack of help in that building. I got the idea if I can get the family members complaining he has to put an extra C.N.A in the building. On a regular day, we give out medicine at 4pm, take care of the resident, feed them at 5pm, attend to the resident between giving out medication, preparing the drinks and tables for dinner, feeding the resident who need assistants,

washing the dishes, mopping the floor, wiping down the tables, answering call lights every 10 to 20 minutes,give out medication again at 8pm, bathing them, and finally round of checking them at the end of the night and get them dress and in bed, also getting garbage. We take the garbage out around 1045pm. OMG, Third shift complains when someone isn't dried at 11:15pm. We can't help they pee between 10 and 11pm. serious? I tried telling the residents know you're human but you can't urinate again until 11:20pm. (sarcasm) Did I mention wash and hang their clothes for them too whenever one can get to the washing machine over in the next building because 100 and 200 staff has the washing machine full. it's just too much for us. I was getting my work done before they put the resident with the broken hip and the needy resident who calls every 10 minutes wanting nothing but to be nosy, along with another resident who was independent lost her ability to walk and eat. His ignorance of what we go through makes me insane. does anyone know the law of the ratio of C.N.A to patients in Georgia and should I report this problem to the adult protective services? I'm so frustrated and ready to hunt for a new job to get away from all the dysfunction at the place.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I would advise AGAINST "getting the families to complain", it will backfire on you.

I know from experience that assisted living is alot of work. Nursing homes are also alot of work. More than what any of us should be doing if they expect good care for the residents. It is what it is and if you quit and go else where I'd bet that you'd run into the same situation.

Focus on resident care and meeting their needs FIRST. They need to be clean, fed and safe first. Laundry, trash, house keeping comes second. Your boss may think otherwise, but it IS your responsiblity to keep your residents safe, clean, fed.

Maybe when laundry isn't done, or the floors aren't mopped because you needed to provide resident care, then maybe he would see that you need additional help....maybe. It has to be consistant on all shifts though, otherwise it will look like you are the only one NOT doing your job.

Prioritize your responsibilities and encourage your co-workers to do the same. If 3rd shift complains that someone is wet at 11:15p when they come in, then you make sure all are clean and dry when they do come on shift, even if it means skipping the housework in order to get it done.

I'd rather have another aide complain that the housework wasn't done, then to complain that resident care wasn't done!

[jaluo2014]

I work in assisted living, 32 residents for 2 CNA's. We do everything and what matters is not what the boss should do but what we do to make a difference, my residents are my joy and seeing them dry, fed, toileted, showered, etc. makes me feel fulfilled. Do not involve family members in matters concerning your work place. remember God is not only watching but judging our ill intentions. Resign and go somewhere else for the sake of your peace.

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

I dare you to write a secret letter to the director of nursing at your facility. Make the return address to a business not in your area then proceed to pour out all the bad decisions regarding patient safety, quality nursing care, etc.

I think the fair ratio would be 1 CNA: 10 patients if some of them are "self-care." My facility has one wing thats like 3 CNAs: 36 patients and its ridiculously busy!

Thats the life of a CNA though...