Why al the negativity in LTC???

Noney · Feb 14, 2004

I totally agree with you.

Noney

AlixCoastRN · Feb 14, 2004

The excellent care we provide on a daily basis, not because it is our 'job' but because we respect our 'elders', is not 'news' to the journalists. It is not 'sensational' when we help a resident eat a meal, give out a hug, tend to their needs and wants. We, as elder caregivers, go quietly doing what we do and appreciate our co-workers for doing the same.

RubyA · Feb 29, 2004

I think we should encourage journalist's, especially if you know one, to put human interest stories in the paper about good things going on in the nursing homes today. We have a public relations director who is doing that right now and I hope it will help ease the minds of the public.

Angie

tmoorelpn · Mar 12, 2004

I know all I ever hear about regarding LTC/nursing homes is the horror stories. Families of seniors are extremely nervous placing their loved ones in LTC facilities. I would be nervous too, I don't blame them but it just seems like all the media does is report the negative and not the positive.

I think we should encourage journalist's, especially if you know one, to put human interest stories in the paper about good things going on in the nursing homes today. We have a public relations director who is doing that right now and I hope it will help ease the minds of the public.
Angie

KrisV27 · Apr 28, 2004

I work in LTC. There really is no positive side. The residents are treated poorly, left sitting in their own excrement for hours/days due to lack of staffing requirements... Anyone who believes these people are getting the care they deserve is a sick, sick individual.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

Why do you still work in that place??

longtermcarern · Apr 28, 2004

I work in LTC. There really is no positive side. The residents are treated poorly, left sitting in their own excrement for hours/days due to lack of staffing requirements... Anyone who believes these people are getting the care they deserve is a sick, sick individual.

I would say if this is the way it is where you work, then you have a responsibility to try to make changes and if that doesn't work, then report to the state. I would never allow the residents I take care of to sit in their own excretement. None of the nurses I work with would allow it and none of the cna's I work with would allow it as well.

KrisV27 · Apr 28, 2004

The reason I work there is because I am one of the only ones who attempt to try and make things better. I try my hardest, never take a break, and still fail to come close to the standards I believe the residents need. I report the problems, even though rarely anything gets done. I have had to scream, make phone calls, and threaten will little or no results. The fact is that this corporation tries to reduce staff as much as they legally get away with. It is physically impossible to take good care of the residents. I just try my best.

leslie :-D · Apr 28, 2004

well kristen, it's time for you to move on. ltc's are NOT like that everywhere. you need to find another job, contact your ombudsman and report your findings. do NOT stay in an environment that is so toxic. there are many jobs out there, plenty of which are run and cared for by top notch staff.

cnyrn · Apr 28, 2004

In my area, the best ltc facilities are located within a hospital. It's much easier to get your residents the prompt attention they deserve with an on-site ED,lab.pharmacy, X-ray etc. Plus, with some seniority, you might be able to bid on an acute care position. That's how I escaped from ltc.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

I realize that abuse does take place in some LTC facilitities. I also know that the public needs to be informed.
Where I work abuse is not tolerated in any way shape or form
If there is a complaint about you, you are automatically suspended
You never recieve the benefit of doubt.
Of course you get to have your day in the office to be heard, then you may perhaps get your job back
With all this in the forfront of the news my question is
Why are they also not showing the good side of LTC
I believe that along with the negative they should also be airing the thousands of good loving caring health care providers doing the work that we love to do.
Not all of us are monsters

Oh boy! Don't get me started! LOL

Truth is, kidding aside, I think the problem is that **someone** doing the regulation is not up to date with the needs in LTC. Somebody keeps giving LTC facilities the right to staff with a bare minimum or close to it. A lot of the time, I am not sure how anyone could get the work done with the staff that is there. Hypothetical: How does an aide get 10 residents cleaned, oral care done, and dressed between 7 and 8 ????????????????????????????????????