So I started as a CNA and worked my way up, minus LPN. I now find myself with a BSN and a blur of my days as an aide.
I recall feeling underappreciated and lower than dirt. I remember being "told" to complete tasks and not asked.
Once I became an RN, I left LTC and thought I would never look back. I am an ER nurse. As a social experiment, I decided to work PRN in a LTC facility.
Let me just say WOW! Nurses are constantly jumping down the aides throats, for EVERYTHING! Please do no say "CNAs are lazy,.worthless, uneducated and conferntational". Please do.not say that these things are not said behing the CNAs back. They are! You smile in their face and talk about their incompetence, when their backs are turned.
The techs in the ER are not micromanaged, they are trusted to complete tasks. They do EKGs, blood draws, insert IVs,.splint as well as straight cath. I have watched the techs execute CPR and save lives! Our team work is outstanding. They are part of the medical staff. Although they cannot present themselves as nurses to the patients we all refer to them as "technical nurses"
We do not have the ability to write them up, we do not have the ability to reprimand in ANY way. That is up to the ANM and NM ONLY. We educate them if they need help understanding certain tasks. In the same respect I have been educated by them as well.
They do not just do slave work,.they do valuable work and they do it proficantly. They are respected as knowledgeable co workers, not monkey workers.
I have worked in other parts of the hospital and every other type of nursing field. LTC seems to be the only place I see that. I want opinions on why this is. Also, if CNAs were called PCTs (not nursing assistance, essentially nurses B****) as well as allowing them on the job training, to have a little more responsibility, that "real" nurses see as more than just crap work (pun intended). Lastly, not allowing every LPN, RN to write them up. Do you believe.this would make for an easier, more respectful (between every title) atmosphere.
