what about staff abuse, not patient abuse?

[CNA/glorified maid]

Hello All ! I have changed my user name. I was formally "cna hopeful" but now I am a cna and working as a "glorified maid" . It's been about 3 months or so, since I've had time to get on a computer. Anyway, I have been working my hind end off. I care for 3 different individuals, in their homes. 2 of which are really mean and nasty to me. But, yet they claim I am the best girl they've ever had. One of the 2 nasty women, is a 67yr old, who broke her back 5yrs. ago. She was only supposed to get our services for 2yrs, however, she keeps leading my agency on, saying she's helpless. She's not helpless, she's just got it too good right now. My problem with her, is she is verbally abusive, at times, with me. And she belittles me. Just because she owns her own fancy house, car, and lots of jewels, she thinks she's above me. But here lately, she's been broke. (so she claims). She's called the abuse center on me. the cops on me and everything else, to get attention. Nothing ever came of it, that's just the way she is. She has been demanding I loan her money and I tell her no. She'd say, "i have no food in the house and you can't loan me 100 dollars? Im a sick woman. That's neglet". Then, proceeds to ask me what I make a week. Just questioning my finances. Im getting tired of listening to it. She actually dug out this freaking bell (the kind you see at a motel desk) and put it by her table. So when she wants me to pick up that nasty tissue that she meant to throw "into" the trash, she dings that bell 10x's in a row, and I come running. I want to tell her where she can stick that bell..............And the other lady has a potty mouth and she's a biter, puncher, slapper, and kicker. The other day, I was giving her a bed bath and she punched me 3 times in my L breast. It's sore. Then, she slapped me across my face, and lastly, she bent my Right "bird finger" backwords. It was all I could do to not lose my cool. I don't know what to do. If I cancel both clients, I would have a horrible paycheck. Not to mention all 3 clients live w/in 15-20 miles from me. Otherwise, like my co-workers, I'd have to travel a further distance. For being a cna, I don't even do any cna skills, really. Just a bed bath on the one. The rest is cleaning. However, the money is great. I don't know., Im in a rough spot now.

[Poi Dog]

After the first call from that client to the police, I would have NOT gone back. What happens if one day, charges are pressed against you? No client is worth the hassle. Not to mention the physical abuse. You should call the cops on her.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

I'm sure you're not the first one to request a different assignment after dealing with the 67-year-old. They probably stick her with a new aide until that person refuses her, then pawn her off on another new aide, and so on.

Is this other lady demented? It doesn't really bother me when someone like that hits, but then again, I work in a nursing home so I can just get someone else for backup. I'm surprised they don't send two aides on a case like that... have you reported it?

[tomc5555]

I'm sorry you have these difficulties. What does your agency say about see clients?

The 67 yo I would probably request reassignment, because of the law enforcement calls. That could become a big legal mess for you.

The other client who bites, is she demented? I have a client who is ok with cares if his wife is in the room, otherwise he is a fusspot. Does your client have family who can help w/ bed bath? Also, what does your agency say is the cause for her behavior? If the behavior is new or has changed she may have new underlying medical issues.

The clients I most like are the ones needing the most cares. I know living assistance cleaning is part of the job, but I don't like when that is the biggest part of the assignment.

Ask your agency to give you assignments that will utilize your CNA skills, like hospice clients.

Good luck and I hope things improve. Don't give up, they're not all the same.

[nursel56]

Working in home care is quite unique! If it were me I wouldn't go back to the first lady, for she has issues far beyond anything you can cope with, and yet she wants to harm you. You know you're innocent but people who don't know you may let it affect their decisons on hiring. If it were me I'd put a splint on that bird finger and find a reason to use the affected hand a little more often than usual. Not really - don't flame me people!

The second lady may not be alert and oriented, so I would put her in a different category. However, being bumped and bruised shouldn't be part of anyone's job description! Is there any way for you to get assistance with bathing her? A family member or someone who knows her well and may have some tips that work to calm her down? Maybe even CNAs who have worked with her before may be able to offer you some advice. I give you kudos for getting in there and trying your best! :) I'll bet you're tired when you get home!!