What should I do? (long)

I am a student nurse that is working as a CNA at a rehabilitation hospital. I witnessed something during my last shift that blew my mind. A patient came in with a long and extensive psych history. They had been off their meds for a while and were screaming and crying all the time. If someone sat in there and talked to them, they calmed down for a while. Even though I was not assigned to them, I went in as often as i could. The nurse and CNA assigned to this patient got very angry at me. They told me I was "spoiling" them. I was banned from going back into the room. I heard several comments that they needed to get over whatever problem they had. This patient was also put at the end of the hall"so we won't have to deal with them". I feel that the staff is not treating the patient as well as they deserve. When I expressed my view, I was told I get too involved with my patients. I was also told my another CNA if I reported some of the things I saw and heard I would be fired as a trouble maker.

I feel if I keep quiet I am contributing to the problem, but this is the only hospital I can work at. I just don't know what to do.

It sounds like you were trying to be helpful and look out for the patient. I wouldgo to someone. Maybe this person needs a sitter until they are back on track with their meds. I think leaving them on their own down the hall is quite irresponsible. It could be that the facility isn't really supposed to be taking these sort of patients or maybe they don't want to pony up with some $ to pay a sitter. If this is what is Supposed to be going on at this place, then I don't think I would want to work there. Good luck to you.

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Even if you will get fired, you can always find another job. Why would you want to work with people who have no ethical and professional standards?

I would for sure say something to a charge nurse.

I have to agree with imenid,, this place need to ante up and do what they need to to get this patient on track. Leaving them at the end of the hall to cry and bellow is only going to cause havoc with the rest of the patients on the wing. And if left unattended could cause a dangerous situation for either another patient or this individual.

I would sure be concerned for the patients the CNA that made that comment took care of. What else could be going on that if "known" would take someone down. Just uttering those words to another co-worker should be grounds to get her behind canned as far as im concerned.

Id report,, and if things took a turn for the worse in your working environment,, get out fast.

Thanks for the imput everyone. I really don't like working there and I am looking for a new job. I am making an appointment with the floor supervisor to tell her what i have been seeing. I need the new job first, but I feel a stronger need to care for my patients.