wish I had more hands

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

I had 45 residents on my last shift that need total care. Seems like someone always has to wait because I can't be everywhere at once. I have long given up taking breaks, because I don't want them to be left unattended. I feel terrible and cry on my drive home for not being faster. I also have trouble coping when someone passes with this aide to resident ratio. I never break down at work, just on the drive home and when I'm alone. I love what I do, I just feel so sad sometimes.

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Specializes in LTC.

You have 45 by yourself? What shift do you work?

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

45? Is that legal? Of course you can not be everywhere at once! Thats tough.

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That's insane! I would've walked out if I were the only CNA with 45 residents. I'm seriously thinking about getting insurance because it's pretty obvious that places don't care about the safety and workload of CNAs.

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In my area, there is no rules or regulations stating how many residents a CNA can care for. As a result, the local facilities are grossly understaffed. I was a CNA 14 years ago and we had 6 halls, 2 CNAs to EACH hall on second shift. Now, there are 2 CNAs to THREE halls on first shift, which is the busiest shift. Its absolutely ridiculous!

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

That's absolutely RIDICULOUS. There's no way you can even provide the minimal necessary amount of care to 45 residents. Our max for AM and swing shift in CA is 11 per aid I believe...I've never had more than 11. I think it's 23 for NOCs too. At a skilled nursing facility. Maybe it's different if you're at an assisted living community? I'm not sure. But you shouldn't be crying everyday. I found myself doing that with my current job due to mistreatment and overworking, so I had to quit.

Remember that you have to take care of YOU first. It's not your fault that you can't be everywhere at once. Your facility NEEDS to hire more aides. Period.

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Specializes in acute.

:redbeathe:redbeatheRUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is unexceptable, I do not know what state you are in but I am in Maine and I think 20 is the MOST I have ever heard anyone have, and that was because of call outs. I usually have 13 LTC which is really hard too. When the list creeps up to 15 I sweat with fear. I worked 2-10pm. PLEASE, take care of YOU. from my experience the ADN of the nursing home is only trying to save money. They dont really care about CNAs. Not all places are like this so look around. I know sometimes it may be hard want to change jobs but if you are crying on your way home, LIKE I have, It is not worth it. That only means you have a heart and are a good Nurse Assisitent. Good Luck. I have been a CNA for 16 yrs so I know. :redbeathe

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Wow 45 to 1. There is no way that you could keep up with that many people. I would call the state asap and quit as soon as possible.

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The only way I manage is never stopping. Continuous rounds and answering lights as they come. I chart everything, type of care provided, refusal of care, behavior/behavior changes, vitals, BMs, I&O, treatments, awake/sleep.... I want to quit, but I still haven't. I know I am underpaid, and getting used. I feel like if I don't, then who will? I'm getting faster, but still cry on the way home. For some reason though, I feel like I am in the right place for now. I don't know why, but I just feel that way. Does this make any sense or am I crazy?

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That many pt is insane! Your a strong and caring person to keep trying and you continue to better yourself. I give KOUDOS to you!

My question is where the heck are the other co-workers and what are They doing while your busting your butt with all the call lights and pt care?

Hang in there, what comes around goes around, Your doing the right thing I know you will rep the benefits from this. Your already FAST and getting faster...That will surely help in the future b/c nursing is a fast pace occupation. Good Luck! :redpinkhe

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My question is where the heck are the other co-workers and what are They doing while your busting your butt with all the call lights and pt care?

They are hanging out at the nurses station. I've stopped asking for help. The other night, one of them said, "Let us know if we can help you w/ anything" I replied, "You each have 25 residents and I have 45, of course I need help." On the way down the hall they tell me that they are going to give me some tips on getting faster (did they forget i had 45 residents?). They said that I need to cut corners. They told me to only give peri-care on the last round, don't worry about barrier creams and skin preps, leave dentures in, empty the trash cans at the end of the shift, if some one has a BM just throw the linens away instead of rinsing them, they said I needed to "toughen-up". I stopped them from saying any more, then I politely declined their assistance. If that's being tough, then I don't want any part of it. Corners shouldn't be cut, more people should be scheduled! So, I didn't cry after work, I was disgusted and angry and I don't want to go back. I don't know what to do...I thought it was going to get better, now I see that this is common practice there...the poor residents. starting to cry again.

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Specializes in LTC, rehab medicine & therapies.

topic, I don't know what to say...I am astounded that you have this sort of ratio. You're right - cutting corners is unacceptable and it scares me, thinking of the treatment the residents are getting. (Not yours, though.) The residents must love you!

I just wanted to say that you are amazing. I would've bolted.

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