i work @ a snf/rehab facility and our stna's are lazy with a capital l!!!!!!
while in clinicals, i noticed that acute care aides seem to have more drive and they move when you tell them...
our aides sit around (i work night shift) and eat left over resident food, sleep and give you dirty looks when you tell them to do anything...
i have noticed this every day i have worked....
i'm ***** because im moving my behind constantly, not to mention the ridiculous documentation and when i see call lights constantly on and people on their i-phones... i get very:madface:
OP, if you are writing the aides up, time to sit down with your NM and discuss how you want your shift to run. Phones are to be put away, except for breaks and meal breaks. Which you should schedule into the shift for each CNA. Be clear on assignments, and that the expectation is turn and repo every 2 hours, that call bells are to be answered--you could even double up the CNA's, and have 1 who just does bells. And rotate them. Be clear (and if they are Union, be clear on the contract language) that the first time that they are found not doing their job will be a verbal warning. The next a write up. Then be clear with the NM that you would appreciate follow up, as your shift depends on aides doing their jobs. It will only take a couple of follow-throughs to actual termination and perhaps the tune will change on the unit. Don't forget kudos to those who are awesome at what they do. Another thought is that the call bell answering CNA is the "lead CNA" for the night. Make that person aware of what needs to happen that night, and let them govern themselves and see if that works.
CNA's have a really physically demanding job. It is not easy, and I think that one CNA has an even greater degree of difficulty with all of the moving and getting up and down and the like. That is why I like the idea of 2 of them working together. Even the call bell answerer (your lead CNA) can go help if needed---
I think a huge disconnect is the mechanics of the CNA job IS difficult for one person to do, they seem to get tired of asking for another CNA's help ("I can do that myself, why can't you?) Which then leads to "who does that nurse think she is? She can wipe a butt too!" Which leads to a bunch of people sitting around while call bells go off. I decline to get into a debate about what my job is vs. theirs. I am a big re-phrasing the request ie: Please get to Mr. Xyz with CNA Abc and do peri care. If you turn him now, then he'll be done for another couple hours. I saw earlier he was a bit red. Take a look and see what you think. thanks you rock!"
I am clear in expectations and consequences. However, when you give the group the ability to govern themselves by having a lead CNA, acknowledge that they know the residents inside out and sideways and can detect subtle changes, and partner people so that one person doesn't have to go it alone--you may see some positive change.
I attempted this tactic...lead by example, without much success. The CNAs in a LTC facility where I worked would let me example all night long. I led nobody anywhere. Sometimes you have to MAKE people do the right thing.
Operative words are: attempteD, leaD, and workeD. Since you led nobody anywhere, how did achieve your goals of 'MAKING people do the right things'? This post is confusing. You are no longer there, so we have to consider the relevance of your wisdom. You may think you can lead a horse to water- but you failed to make the horse drink. Do you ponder that? "Old habits die hard, the poster said", but you yourself are gone from the job? What is the point of this opinion? Please clarify this for me, thanks.
OP, if you are writing the aides up, time to sit down with your NM and discuss how you want your shift to run. Phones are to be put away, except for breaks and meal breaks. Which you should schedule into the shift for each CNA. Be clear on assignments, and that the expectation is turn and repo every 2 hours, that call bells are to be answered--you could even double up the CNA's, and have 1 who just does bells. And rotate them. Be clear (and if they are Union, be clear on the contract language) that the first time that they are found not doing their job will be a verbal warning. The next a write up. Then be clear with the NM that you would appreciate follow up, as your shift depends on aides doing their jobs. It will only take a couple of follow-throughs to actual termination and perhaps the tune will change on the unit. Don't forget kudos to those who are awesome at what they do. Another thought is that the call bell answering CNA is the "lead CNA" for the night. Make that person aware of what needs to happen that night, and let them govern themselves and see if that works.
CNA's have a really physically demanding job. It is not easy, and I think that one CNA has an even greater degree of difficulty with all of the moving and getting up and down and the like. That is why I like the idea of 2 of them working together. Even the call bell answerer (your lead CNA) can go help if needed---
I think a huge disconnect is the mechanics of the CNA job IS difficult for one person to do, they seem to get tired of asking for another CNA's help ("I can do that myself, why can't you?) Which then leads to "who does that nurse think she is? She can wipe a butt too!" Which leads to a bunch of people sitting around while call bells go off. I decline to get into a debate about what my job is vs. theirs. I am a big re-phrasing the request ie: Please get to Mr. Xyz with CNA Abc and do peri care. If you turn him now, then he'll be done for another couple hours. I saw earlier he was a bit red. Take a look and see what you think. thanks you rock!"
I am clear in expectations and consequences. However, when you give the group the ability to govern themselves by having a lead CNA, acknowledge that they know the residents inside out and sideways and can detect subtle changes, and partner people so that one person doesn't have to go it alone--you may see some positive change.
Good luck!
Wow. Finally someone not ragging the ''lazy aides". A Buddhist, or are you just clear headed and thoughtful? I get ill when I see all this aide bashing. My experience lends itself more to lazy nurses, more than lazy aides, by 'far'. Thanks for the change of pace, jadelpn.
OP, if you are writing the aides up, time to sit down with your NM and discuss how you want your shift to run. Phones are to be put away, except for breaks and meal breaks. Which you should schedule into the shift for each CNA. Be clear on assignments, and that the expectation is turn and repo every 2 hours, that call bells are to be answered--you could even double up the CNA's, and have 1 who just does bells. And rotate them. Be clear (and if they are Union, be clear on the contract language) that the first time that they are found not doing their job will be a verbal warning. The next a write up. Then be clear with the NM that you would appreciate follow up, as your shift depends on aides doing their jobs. It will only take a couple of follow-throughs to actual termination and perhaps the tune will change on the unit. Don't forget kudos to those who are awesome at what they do. Another thought is that the call bell answering CNA is the "lead CNA" for the night. Make that person aware of what needs to happen that night, and let them govern themselves and see if that works.
CNA's have a really physically demanding job. It is not easy, and I think that one CNA has an even greater degree of difficulty with all of the moving and getting up and down and the like. That is why I like the idea of 2 of them working together. Even the call bell answerer (your lead CNA) can go help if needed---
I think a huge disconnect is the mechanics of the CNA job IS difficult for one person to do, they seem to get tired of asking for another CNA's help ("I can do that myself, why can't you?) Which then leads to "who does that nurse think she is? She can wipe a butt too!" Which leads to a bunch of people sitting around while call bells go off. I decline to get into a debate about what my job is vs. theirs. I am a big re-phrasing the request ie: Please get to Mr. Xyz with CNA Abc and do peri care. If you turn him now, then he'll be done for another couple hours. I saw earlier he was a bit red. Take a look and see what you think. thanks you rock!"
I am clear in expectations and consequences. However, when you give the group the ability to govern themselves by having a lead CNA, acknowledge that they know the residents inside out and sideways and can detect subtle changes, and partner people so that one person doesn't have to go it alone--you may see some positive change.
Good luck!
This is great. I know where I work (LTC) my REGULAR aides on my hall are AWESOME !!! We work together as a team. My aides aren't afraid to ask me to help them turn, repo, clean someone up or even help them put someone to bed, My med pass takes so long that often times I will be in there giving a res their meds and I will have my aid go with me so we can T&P, I have some alert residents who will even ask me to change them or help them into bed and say to me "I have never had a nurse help me, they had always gone to get an aide and I would still be waiting 30min later" and it's not because my aids are being lazy, they are just really VERY busy. I know they are getting someone in bed (and 90% of my hall's res. are 2 person extensive assists) and when it comes to meal time, We have one aide go to the dinning room and one stays on the floor. But since our meal carts for the floor come out before the meals for the dinning room both aide stay on the floor to help with the res who need feeding assitance. I have one aide who is FABULOUS !!! She takes the lead, she is self - motivated, shows real initiative and doesn't stop. She takes pride in her work and whoever works with her, better be ready to pull thier own weight, cause if they don't, she will let them know about it. She told an aide (one who didn't normally work with her) to get off her damn phone and pass these trays. and I quote her "THESE TRAYS DON'T PASS THEMSELVES YA KNOW, GET OFF YOUR PHONE!!" I loved it !! She will not put up with laziness. and that laziness goes both ways, I know some nurses who WILL NOT get up from the desk to answer a call light. She is behind the desk chatting away complaining not about the staff but the RESIDENTS. She seems to think that all these residents want to do is make her night harder, She says they always wait til I get here to start this crap. Did you medicate these people ?? Do you give any PRN meds ?? so and so wants this and so and so wants that, I can't get anything done. Um....you work NIGHTSHIFT 11-7. Yes I medicated them..75% of them have ROUTINE HS NARCS !! But these are the residents who always have to do something to screw her night up. YES...THAT IS CALLED NURSING...Something you claim to have done for many many years. Every time a call light goes off she has to say "what do they want now ?? When did you give them there last pain pill ?" At 9 pm like the order says and they have a PRN order as well !! I can tolerate a lazy aide a whole lot better than I can tolerate a lazy, know-it-all nurse !! Somehow or another she has Admin and Dayshift nurses in her pocket and they all seem to love her. Of course the dayshift nurses really like her cause she will do there morning CBG's at 6:30am...Breakfast isn't served til between 7:30 and 8:30 am. And the only reason I think she does that is so she can get on the good side of the dayshift nurses and Management.
I was a CNA for 10 years. And it is distressing when one knows that they can't move a patient themselves, running around trying to get assistance with total care people, and then to do it all over again every 2 hours. Not to mention on night shift, getting those few residents up in the early morning and ready for their day. Body mechanics my behind, It is a tough, tough job.
A little passive agressive to deal by not doing the job, or being on the phone/internet instead of working, however, this is a sign that something has got to give--and the OP is in the position to do just that.
I think sometimes we all forget we are working with adult CNA's. Granted, as a pp suggested sometimes young adults but never the less adults. To make changes sometimes takes a meeting and the CNA's talk about what it is that would make it better for the patients. And really rotating the CNA's so that no one is doing all the total care themselves night after night. And to really ask what they enjoy doing. There are aides who are type A on any number of patient conditions. And to acknowledge their expertise in what they do. And to have a management style that is clear on you not minding getting your hands dirty too.
They are your eyes and ears. Mrs. Qrs is not "acting right" will come from your aide much sooner than you may notice on any given shift. Your CNA's are involved in an alternate level of care that they can see really subtle changes, which can be a lifesaver for a resident and their level of function.
The goal is a successful shift where all the residents are where they should be at the end of it. If that takes a take charge CNA who will motivate the other CNA's and the CNA's feel as if they don't have to do everything alone (which again, is nearly impossible in some instances) then so be it. And if more charge nurses start treating CNA's as a part of their team as opposed to their underlings, that is also helpful. Delegate doesn't equal disrespect. So ego has no room with a unit full of dependent residents we need to usher through the night. All alive at 5....(or at 7 lol)
I have no problem answering lights and doing basic patient care if the aides are also answering lights with some hustle or if one is taking their break. It gets a little ridiculous though when two aides are parked on their rears playing on their phones while yours truly is passing meds or charting and I end up answering the lights just so that my residents aren't falling or sitting in their own excrement for any longer than they have to. The same lazy aides that work nights with me have yet to change their ways or be fired despite numerous write-ups and complaints from multiple nurses. There is a certain aide that I dread working with because it means that I will be doing my job and hers all night. I should just tell administration that they should give me a $9/hr raise to be the aide too since that is pretty much what I have to do sometimes. My biggest pet peeve is when a light goes off and the aide sitting playing on their phone says, "oh, I'll get that light in a little while, I know it's Mr. Smith just wanting his TV turned up/a drink of water". Umm, are you telepathic? Yes we have chronic abusers of the call lights but you never know, it may be that one time that they've actually fallen, or are having chest pain, etc. and need someone in the room NOW and not whenever you feel like it!
I should add, that I work with one aide who is worth her weight in gold, gives 110% every shift, and I will always go out of my way to help her and thank her for her hard work. I know that a lot of CNAs are overworked and under-appreciated. But I can't stand working in a place where my co-workers (CNAs and other nurses) think its okay to dump their work onto me when I can barely get my own work done.
I am just curious what do you say or ask of the CNA's? Why would you allow them to just sit there when lights are going off? I learned the hard way about this and it all came to a head one night when an ALS patient had a coughing fit and his head went under the bed rails. Fortunately, I was rounding on med pass and found him right away. I tried to help him myself but couldn't. I pushed the call light...and you guessed it, nothing. No response, I yelled and still no response.
I had to jump up on the bed and push the mattress down with my feet while repositioning. After assessing him and getting him settled, I went to the station only to find all 3 CNA's asleep. I loudly woke them up and told them to complete their rounds. They became indignant wanting to know what the problem was stating that they wake when the call lights go off. I asked why they hadn't answered the call light and they laughed and said that ___ was not even able to use the call light and called me a liar. That is when I told them what just occurred and they all turned white. It was at this point that I let them know that their behavior was not going to continue and with the help of my DON it did not.
She let me know that she backed me and taught me about progressive write ups. Of the 8 night shift CNA's, I was able to retain 4 that turned out to be the best that I have ever worked with, as for the other 4, they were either let go or left after seeing that they could no longer get away with doing nothing.
This was my first time working at a nursing home and it sure taught me a valuable lesson.
jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B
9 Articles; 4,800 Posts
OP, if you are writing the aides up, time to sit down with your NM and discuss how you want your shift to run. Phones are to be put away, except for breaks and meal breaks. Which you should schedule into the shift for each CNA. Be clear on assignments, and that the expectation is turn and repo every 2 hours, that call bells are to be answered--you could even double up the CNA's, and have 1 who just does bells. And rotate them. Be clear (and if they are Union, be clear on the contract language) that the first time that they are found not doing their job will be a verbal warning. The next a write up. Then be clear with the NM that you would appreciate follow up, as your shift depends on aides doing their jobs. It will only take a couple of follow-throughs to actual termination and perhaps the tune will change on the unit. Don't forget kudos to those who are awesome at what they do. Another thought is that the call bell answering CNA is the "lead CNA" for the night. Make that person aware of what needs to happen that night, and let them govern themselves and see if that works.
CNA's have a really physically demanding job. It is not easy, and I think that one CNA has an even greater degree of difficulty with all of the moving and getting up and down and the like. That is why I like the idea of 2 of them working together. Even the call bell answerer (your lead CNA) can go help if needed---
I think a huge disconnect is the mechanics of the CNA job IS difficult for one person to do, they seem to get tired of asking for another CNA's help ("I can do that myself, why can't you?) Which then leads to "who does that nurse think she is? She can wipe a butt too!" Which leads to a bunch of people sitting around while call bells go off. I decline to get into a debate about what my job is vs. theirs. I am a big re-phrasing the request ie: Please get to Mr. Xyz with CNA Abc and do peri care. If you turn him now, then he'll be done for another couple hours. I saw earlier he was a bit red. Take a look and see what you think. thanks you rock!"
I am clear in expectations and consequences. However, when you give the group the ability to govern themselves by having a lead CNA, acknowledge that they know the residents inside out and sideways and can detect subtle changes, and partner people so that one person doesn't have to go it alone--you may see some positive change.
Good luck!