What you'd REALLY like to say....

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Ok, so I know I can't be the only one who dreams about just for ONCE saying what's really going through her mind! I love my job, and I do it for the love of my residents, and I always give 100% to make sure they are safe, happy, and cared for. However, I am also extremely sarcastic by nature - and sometimes, well lots of times, I think one thing - but of course say and act completely polite and professional!

Let's see what we all are really thinking in those times of complete stress and chaos we all know too well! I'll start....

To the A&Ax3 perfectly coherent pt who is mean and obnoxious and thinks that he is at the Ritz not a nursing home, and thinks every CNA is his personal assistant / slave::angryfire

DO NOT under any circumstances hit your call light for me to come and pick up your breakfast/lunch/dinner tray - the NANOsecond you finish eating!!!! REALLY! You KNOW that at some point during the 20 other times you call me in there, that I will pick it up on my way out!!!! This drives me absolutely up the wall. Same goes for your urinal (with all 5 cc's of output)!

Stop calling the poor confused residents filthy names. Just because you choose to sit in the hallway all day long doesn't make you the hall monitor! Just because they aimlessly walk or wheel around doesn't mean they are stupid. They are confused. Telling them to get the hell away from you and go back to where "they belong" is nasty and uncalled for. I sometimes secretly hope you will become exactly like them. Soon.

When you ask for an appointment at the barbershop at 8:50 am and they don't open until 9 am, don't hit your call button at 8:55 and ask if I got you a 9 am appointment! I know this may come as a shock to you - but you are not the center of the universe!! You will probably get scheduled sometime later that day, or - GASP - maybe even the next day!

To those wonderful family members we all love so much:

Just because you have an internet connection and access to WebMD, doesn't make you a medical professional. Why the Docs and DON's entertain your completely idiotic and unfounded requests - I will never know. Do you know how hard it is to keep residents properly hydrated? Yet you insist your loved one is over hydrated, and insist he only have one glass of water at every meal. AND you come in during meals and pull a bottle of sea salt out of your purse and dump handfuls onto his food. Hmmmm. OK! :banghead:

You haven't been to visit grandma in over a year. Grandma is completely contracted, hoyer lift, check and change, with aphasia. When you come and tell me that she told you she has to go to the bathroom and you want me to "take her to the restroom", I am not sure whether I want to giggle or slap you. :uhoh3:

...

Keep em coming! Just some healthy venting! Thanks a ton!

Specializes in Rehabilitation; LTC; Med-Surg.
Well a CNA job IS VERy VERY hard.......and its a different kind of work then a nurse job .......yes i think we should get paid more and i also think new grads should make more too.........like i always tell my nurses........u dont have more work then me u just have a different kind........this thread was started for cna's to vent .....lets not get bitter people

Just my opinion, please calm down - I do work as a CNA. I am not a nurse yet.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation; LTC; Med-Surg.
As an aide if I made 16.00 an hour I would not even come close to the pay of a new grad nurse in my area. I think it would be totally appropriate. Also, as a future nurse I'm not going to want aide to make a lot less than me to somehow feel superior. That's just lame... show some empathy please.

This is one of those debates that gets deep into moral issues, even. Should a person flipping burgers make $15/hr as a minimum wage? Should an aide make the same as a nurse? If so, why become a nurse? I recognize the fact that there are different costs of living in different areas, especially the NE and West Coast. In my area, a CNA making $10/hr is good money if you have no more than one child and a significant other. New grad LVNs start out at $15.50/hr, but are raised to about $18/hr when the new grad gets two-three years experience. In my area, those salaries are more than adequate. In California, though, I think $15 would be fair for a CNA, $25/hr for an LVN. But if we start to "give more because they are poor," pretty soon there will be no incentive to make something of yourself when you can flip burgers for $15/hr. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the challenge of making something of yourself in life - I grew up in poverty with a single mother, so it's not like I don't have empathy or a mild appreciation for the trials other people go through with low paying jobs. If you want more money, then go to college, or become one damn good employee.

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Specializes in Telemetry.
This is one of those debates that gets deep into moral issues, even. Should a person flipping burgers make $15/hr as a minimum wage? Should an aide make the same as a nurse? If so, why become a nurse? I recognize the fact that there are different costs of living in different areas, especially the NE and West Coast. In my area, a CNA making $10/hr is good money if you have no more than one child and a significant other. New grad LVNs start out at $15.50/hr, but are raised to about $18/hr when the new grad gets two-three years experience. In my area, those salaries are more than adequate. In California, though, I think $15 would be fair for a CNA, $25/hr for an LVN. But if we start to "give more because they are poor," pretty soon there will be no incentive to make something of yourself when you can flip burgers for $15/hr. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the challenge of making something of yourself in life - I grew up in poverty with a single mother, so it's not like I don't have empathy or a mild appreciation for the trials other people go through with low paying jobs. If you want more money, then go to college, or become one damn good employee.

"If so, why become a nurse?" Well for the passion of course :redbeathe I may be crazy, but I've told my husband that even if we hit the lotto, which would be nice :wink2: I'd still go on to be a RN and volunteer my time. I just really want to do it with all off my might. It's not about the money really just finally having the passion for something feels wonderful. Having said that it also would be nice to not have to strugle. "Give more because they are poor" no, give more because it's deserved and hard earned. I believe in hard work also and I hear where you're coming from I just think that CNAs play an important role and are worth more money for the work that is done. Truce :p

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Specializes in Float.
This is one of those debates that gets deep into moral issues, even. Should a person flipping burgers make $15/hr as a minimum wage? Should an aide make the same as a nurse? If so, why become a nurse? I recognize the fact that there are different costs of living in different areas, especially the NE and West Coast. In my area, a CNA making $10/hr is good money if you have no more than one child and a significant other. New grad LVNs start out at $15.50/hr, but are raised to about $18/hr when the new grad gets two-three years experience. In my area, those salaries are more than adequate. In California, though, I think $15 would be fair for a CNA, $25/hr for an LVN. But if we start to "give more because they are poor," pretty soon there will be no incentive to make something of yourself when you can flip burgers for $15/hr. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the challenge of making something of yourself in life - I grew up in poverty with a single mother, so it's not like I don't have empathy or a mild appreciation for the trials other people go through with low paying jobs. If you want more money, then go to college, or become one damn good employee.

Hey ZanatuBelmont

It's not a moral issue. The reason for the higher rate in pay has a lot 2 do w/ the area we live in and most 2 do w/ the amount of work we do. I really can't speak 4 some1 else, but 4 me...yes, I knew what type of work it was when I trained 4 it. Caring 4 my patients is very satisfactory. The tension comes when the amount of pts is disproportional 2 how many hrs are n 1 day.

In my case also, there's EKG's, pharmacy runs, blood draws, specimen drop offs, blood pick ups, relieving sitters 4 breaks, and n e thing else the nurses ask of me @ the time. Believe me, @ the end of the day, if I'm not finished w/ my assignment of 10 or more pts, I'm really upset and will sometimes punch out and continue with their care.

In my area, a nurse makes much more than an aide. Our RN's start @ $30+, LPNs $25+, Techs $14+, CNAs.....$10+. Yet the work load is much more physical 4 an aide than 4 a nurse. 'Flipping burgers' as u so colorfully put it requires the flick of a wrist, while we must learn body mechanics or risk serious back (among other things) injuries. The schooling is short but there is schooling as well as certifications. 'Flipping burgers' requires viewing videos and word of mouth instruction.

Some1's lifestyle or background has no place n this discussion. We're talking about fair rates buts it'll always b dependent on area and specific job descriptions. I adore the field of nursing and specifically the RN's I work with. I soon will be joining their ranks. I get good compensation because I work in a hospital as a Tech and we're unionized. But when we're talking about $10hr and the cost of living as well as the workload is double that, u can then appreciate what our fellow CNA's are talking about.:twocents:

I wish u well n ur nursing pursuit. ;)

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Specializes in Float.

:madface: To the 300+lbs, doped up transfer from the ER, who suddenly became my priority because u were transfered filthy with all of your belonging entangled in ur linen and under ur person, 1hr b4 I get off of second shift w/ 20 accuchecks 2 do......

To u who sat up long enough to throw off ur smelly gown and 2 day old stiff shirt and promptly lay back down to 'get washed'...and never made another effort @ helping me......

"I see you opening ya eyes and giving me dirty looks. Did u just tell me I'm being a lil 2 ruff w/ u?!!!!! If u would make an honest effort 2 @ least lift a limb, I wouldn't have 2 struggle w/ holding and lifting ur various body parts and washing @ the same time! U r not in a spa and no way do I enjoy b n mid arm length btween ya closed thighs! OPEN ur da** legs!!!! I bet u get some perverse pleasure n watching me struggle w/ ya large frame, giggling inside while I visibly sweat cause u obviously don't understand ya situation. Ur lifestyle will have u n the grave pretty soon but it's okay rite, as long as u can enjoy some warped sense of pamperment (is this a word?) that u obviously feel cause no sooner are u cleaned, u start making demands. Not only 4 a tray of food but also, 'heat this up 4 me!'

That's weird, weren't u almost comatose 2 the point that u couldn't lift ur girth not 15min. ago?"

To this same pt 2 days later... what n the he** is wrong w/ u?! Do u really think that u are being slick by having ur scruffy male friend bring u drugs every morning and rewarding him w/ ur food trays? Do u really think that we r oblivious 2 ur drug seeking behaviors? Oh he** no!!! Is he laying n the bed that I just made fresh 4 u w/ his shoes on?!! Get up and get out, u r not at the da** Carlton!!!!! :banghead:

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If CNAs made what they were worth in LTC there would not be so many facilities short staffed all the time... JMO. I've worked on the administrative side of LTC too and I believe the funds are there, but end up going somewhere else...:nono:

I don't think it's just about the money. Sometimes the facilities are also short-staffed because the lazy deadwood runs off the good CNAs. It's not that hard to take a minute to do a 2 person transfer, but apparently to some people it is.

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Specializes in IMCU.
:madface: To the 300+lbs, doped up transfer from the ER, who suddenly became my priority because u were transfered filthy with all of your belonging entangled in ur linen and under ur person, 1hr b4 I get off of second shift w/ 20 accuchecks 2 do......

To u who sat up long enough to throw off ur smelly gown and 2 day old stiff shirt and promptly lay back down to 'get washed'...and never made another effort @ helping me......

"I see you opening ya eyes and giving me dirty looks. Did u just tell me I'm being a lil 2 ruff w/ u?!!!!! If u would make an honest effort 2 @ least lift a limb, I wouldn't have 2 struggle w/ holding and lifting ur various body parts and washing @ the same time! U r not in a spa and no way do I enjoy b n mid arm length btween ya closed thighs! OPEN ur da** legs!!!! '

That's weird, weren't u almost comatose 2 the point that u couldn't lift ur girth not 15min. ago?"

OK That is so gross it is funny. Sorry you had to experience that though.

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Specializes in Float.
OK That is so gross it is funny. Sorry you had to experience that though.

:lol2: Thnxs DolceVita

It is funny n retro & ultimately I pity her, prayin she gets her life 2 gether. It can't b n e fun 2 go thru life so sour.

But thank goodness 4 PPE! :yeah:

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Hey Phoenix... Just a small favor to ask. I'm sure your story was funny but I had a really hard time reading it through the text slang. Can you humor us old folks and type the whole words? I love funny stories but had to give up on that one and from the next few posts, think I missed a good one. Thanks!

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Specializes in Float.
Hey Phoenix... Just a small favor to ask. I'm sure your story was funny but I had a really hard time reading it through the text slang. Can you humor us old folks and type the whole words? I love funny stories but had to give up on that one and from the next few posts, think I missed a good one. Thanks!

No problem NM, I just wasn't sure how much profane language I could use on this site. :imbar The words with the * are curse words. Are those the problem? The other single or double letters are ment to be phonetically correct words, example;

ya/ur=your b=be n=in 4=for etc.

I will keep you in mind in the future, but don't want to overtly offend n e 1 w/ cursing so blatantly. :icon_hug:

n e 1 w/ = any one with.

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Specializes in IMCU.

It was hard to read. I have struggled to not resort to "texting" type language. I'm afraid I'll forget how to spell!

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Specializes in Float.

To the other drug seeking pt who seems to think being admitted to a hospital is a vacation to the Ritz.....

"Are you ******* kidding me! This is my third day off of orientation, I'm still trying to learn time manangement and you are wasting my **** time with your absurd request to go down to the lobby, (when they call up to the floor) and pick up your Blimpie's order! :angryfire

Sweetie, this is a telemetry floor. That means that, that last blast that you took brought you to the ER. Please take some time to reflect on why you are here and construct a plan to not return. I can't believe that your RN is actually entertaining you and sending me down there. So this means that untill your order arrives, I'm standing around and my truly ill patients are being made to wait because I can't start anyone".:madface:

On a more positive note she was discharged the next day. I guess the Dr. felt that if she's well enough to complain about not being able to eat hospital food, and can order out, she's well enough to go home and cook.

Funny that I saw her that morning wolfing down breakfast! :p

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