Wrong choice maybe?

eriksoln, BSN, RN · May 17, 2011

So i have been a cna at a LTC for about 3 months now and im beginning to wonder if i got in the wrong field. The LTC i work at specializes in dementia and alzheimer's we also take all other kinds of mental patients as well so we arent a typical nursing home. Everyday since ive started i come home and do nothing but think about the residents and how poorly they are treated. We have most everything they need at the place including doctors, dentist, x-ray,labs, foot doctor, ect..... As soon as you walk on to the floor and look at the residents feet you can tell their feet isnt taken care of their feet doesnt even look human its sickening. There is no respect for the residents rights what so ever and i cant stand that. I stay late almost everyday because i dont compromise their care just so i make sure i clock out on time. i have battled with depression for a long time and i thought that maybe getting into a field to help people would help combat the depression but its made it worse just watching the residents. i cant give the care they deserve and ive been wondering if i should just quit. My LTC is a state job it pays very very well and the benefits are sweet but i hate the feeling of selling out my morals and most people would love a cna job that pays this well but the money just isnt worth it when it comes to how poorly they are treated.......

First (and most important): Thank you for what you do. You may not see the signs or hear that you are going above and beyond, but talk to any nurse who specialized in LTC/Alzheimer's and believe me, the patients know what you are doing for them and appreciate you.

If you went into taking care of others to help deal with your depression, you're going the wrong direction. You are putting the cart before the horse.

I've talked about it before in other threads, and the longer I'm a nurse, the more I believe it: When practicing in the "Pt. care" field (be it as an RN, CNA, w/e), you have to have a stable, reliable home life. The work will stress you in such a way that often you feel your only safe haven is those few hours at home eating dinner and watching the news. If your home life becomes difficult, it will affect your work and you will find yourself.......................well, as you said, your depression got worse.

The good part for you is, you are working and can do something about it. Does your work offer some type of employee assistance? Most do. Grab a pamphlet, call the people and discuss how you are feeling. You will get good advice and insight from them. Don't be shy or embarrassed by it, you've earned the right to use the service because you are working............so reap the benefits of your work.

trixie333, ASN · May 17, 2011

There's a lot of pain and suffering in this world. You can't change that. But you do make a difference for the better every day you show up for work. Thank you for all your hard work and for caring. Be sure to take as good care of yourself as you would like to for your pts. Living w/ depression requires you to engage effective coping strategies to feel good and feel strong...take care of the caregiver-you...find a balance between work and life outside of work. For instance, maybe the extra time at work is not so good for you? Don't let perfectionist tendencies keep you at work too long...you need to rejuvenate every day...good luck.

tomc5555 · May 17, 2011

:)

You may want to see a doctor ab your depression, it could be a medication issue.

I appreciate your empathy and concern for the residents in your facility. I would see a doctor before making a life change, however.

Good luck and thank you!

kool-aide, RN · May 17, 2011

I think if I were you in that situation I would try and find joy/happiness in the fact that I was providing top-notch care to my pts. I have never suffered from depression, so, maybe you're unable to view things this way? please pardon my ignorance. All the best.

ktliz · May 17, 2011

I agree that you should seek treatment for your depression, if you haven't already. Medication and/or therapy can be life-changing!

Secondly, you said that the residents aren't receiving the care they deserve. Don't discount the work that you do with these people. You might feel like you are "only a CNA" and therefore unable to enact real change in the facility, but one truly caring CNA can make a huge difference in a person's life.

I'm not trying to guilt you into caring for these people. If you are able to find a job where you are more comfortable, by all means, take it! Just don't feel like you are selling out your morals by staying where you are. You're doing the best you can do in a given situation, and I find it admirable. :up: :hug:

someday1012 · May 17, 2011

I agree that you should seek treatment for your depression, if you haven't already. Medication and/or therapy can be life-changing!
Secondly, you said that the residents aren't receiving the care they deserve. Don't discount the work that you do with these people. You might feel like you are "only a CNA" and therefore unable to enact real change in the facility, but one truly caring CNA can make a huge difference in a person's life.
I'm not trying to guilt you into caring for these people. If you are able to find a job where you are more comfortable, by all means, take it! Just don't feel like you are selling out your morals by staying where you are. You're doing the best you can do in a given situation, and I find it admirable. :hug:

Totally agree with this..and I also wanted to add that you should be the change that you want to see in the world/"in that facility". Perhaps if you continue on with persistance in the outstanding care that you are giving the patients, other people will catch onto that and want to give that care as well. I think this would be especially true for new employees coming in. I feel like the optimism and caring attitude could, 1 by 1, turn everyone around.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · May 17, 2011

Hi. I'm so glad that you are giving optimum care to your patients, make sure you give yourself extra care too. Like someone suggested, talking to someone about your feelings. Even Yoga can be helpful for those who arent medicated for depression. When was the last time state came in to the facility? Maybe an anonymous tip can have them come in for a look, it may help the facility crack down and shape up. IDK, just make sure you take care of your mental health. I wish you much luck and keep doing what youre doing, which is being a great person. :)