Should I have to do this?

[AddisonLawrence03]

Right now I am doing part time homehealth aide work. One of the duties that I have been doing for my patient is taking him to church, and I sit through the 2 hour service with him until its done. Just curious, do you think that I should talk to the company about this? I really don't think I should have to do this at all. And if I refuse to take him, he gets really combative.

[Nursein2011]

Also, it upsets me that you would refuse to take him. Put yourself in his shoes. If you weren't able to get around like many other people and required help from others for what we may view as very minuscule daily tasks. So much independence has been taken from him due to his illness. He looks forward to going to church. Perhaps that is where he finds his peace and purpose. And you find it as such an inconvenience. That saddens me. If it is that you have trouble getting him in and out of the car then again request a different assignment.

[nguyency77, CNA]

I'm pretty open-minded when it comes to other people's religious beliefs.

Anyway, you say your patient has cerebral palsy. If I have to sit through a boring service for my patient's well-being, I'll do it. And don't argue with him, please. It's really unprofessional. If you really have a problem, take it up with your agency. Don't get mad at the guy because he needs some reassurance.

It would be so hard to be in his place; I'm always amazed at people's will and strength to live and to keep going, even if life really sucks.

If you really don't want to do it, you could also sit in the car or sit outside until it's over.

[tomc5555]

Isn't leaving a client for two hours considered abandonment?If you're a CNA you could be reported.It's ok to request reassignment, it's never ok to leave a disabled client alone, even in a crowded church.

[LaterAlligator]

I had a homecare client I used to take to church. She had dementia so I would have to sit with her through the whole service, which I didn't enjoy because my beliefs are vastly different from her church's. But it was important to her, so we did it. If you can't stand this guy's church, ask for a different assignment or just don't accept shifts with him on Sundays.

[nguyency77, CNA]

Just know that if you do sit in the car and something happens to him while he's in church, then you'll find yourself in a bad situation. I agree with LaterAlligator; another option would be to not work Sundays.