Why do I feel that I am being used for my strength

Jen{NAR} · Apr 18, 2010

Well, maybe you are the only one they are able to find. Sorry, to say...it's kind of your job to work with your team and for them to help you too. It's what you signed on to do when you accepted the job, I don't think you are being used.

smclendon · Apr 18, 2010

Well, hopefully, they are there to help you when needed...teamwork is a must. Don't forget to call on them as well...they should want to help you as you are there to help to them. :)

candy85 · Apr 19, 2010

I don't mind helping but man I feel like my patients are being ignored when every other CNA comes to me for help with a bath and lifting patients up in the bed. A lot of times they say they can't help me when I need it... Oh well guess I will just deal with it lol

caliotter3 · Apr 20, 2010

We were working short one evening and another CNA went to the charge nurse and complained when I didn't stop what I was doing for my patient and immediately go and help him. I was in the middle of cleaning a lady who had an attack of diarrhea. It was not like I could just leave her like that and I told the othe CNA that I would go help him as soon as I got to a point where I could finish the hard part and cover the lady. When the charge nurse made the effort to come and talk to me about it, I told her my side of the story. Well, the other CNA, all of a sudden developed a pressing reason to leave the shift early and I was stuck with his assignment as well as mine along with the extras because we were short to begin with. I stayed over about three hours into the next shift to get everyone situated and told the charge nurse that since I was expected to do the other CNAs work for him, he should have just clocked out at the beginning of the shift. He came to see the DON the next day and quit because he couldn't handle the job. Yes, you could be getting taken advantage of. If you truly feel that others are getting you to do too much, then speak to the charge nurse. There is a difference between helping as appropriate and doing too much of the other person's work for them.

juliaann · Apr 20, 2010

Whenever someone would come and ask me to help turn or clean up a patient, I would always say sure, BUT I always had a task in mind that I needed help with that I would "exhange." I would say sure, but then you need to help me turn my q2 turns. Or sure, but I need assistance with a bath in room whatever. It worked well, I was always willing to help, and I always had co-workers willing to help me. It's more fun to do the work with a partner anyway. I loved my co-workers, so it was all good. We had great team atmosphere. Unfortunately, I know a lot of facilities don't. Sorry you feel you might be taken advantage of. Just remember, the residents need to come first. Don't punish another CNA's residents because that CNA doesn't help you. If the CNA has shown patterns or laziness and bad teamwork, bring it up with a supervisor, but keep doing your best for *all* the residents. :)