We CNA's DO make a difference!

I saved someone's life last night. I didn't give the glucagon shot that did but if I hadn't gone into that room right when I did, I'd have been finding a body in a very short time. I knew what she needed and that was my nurse ASAP to give it but for all those that say we are only aides, they couldn't be more wrong. If not for us, many of our residents would not be here. Things happen that we know first and when we get it right, it's a great feeling. I don't mean to sound braggy, it was a cool thing after a really rough week.

One of my favorite residents is the most brittle diabetic I have ever seen. She teaches me something new about CBG's every week, I think. She can be 300 at 2200 and 50 at 0400 very easily. And she can talk and be perfectly ok appearing at 40. I went into her room last night on my first round and couldn't rouse her. She had blank eyes, deep growling breath sounds, totally diaphoretic and totally unresponsive. I knew she was in bad trouble. I got my nurse and 20 minutes later, M was back with us saying 'oh man was that a trip!' She's an old hippy, I'm sure she knows a bad trip!

I had never seen a diabetic coma before, it's one I won't forget anytime soon. But for all the wiping butts and crappy stuff we get, once in awhile we get one right. And know we did good. I know you guys get it and while it's good to gripe, its even better to have a great story to share once in awhile!