CNA's' Journal (original) (raw)
CNA's' Journal [Most Recent Entries][Calendar View] [Friends]
Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded inCNA's' LiveJournal:
[ << Previous 20 ]
| Saturday, November 13th, 2010 | |
|---|---|
| _9:00 pm_[bedpan_jockey] |
Venting about psycho family members... We have a total care resident with craaaazy family members who get extremely worked up about every little thing. They pretty much live there with the resident 24-7, and yet they're incapable of doing anything for her. If she hangs her arm over the side of the bed, or sneezes, or even sleeps "too long" they panic and come running to us. They're so afraid to touch her that they can't even fluff her pillows themselves! On top of constantly calling us in the room for every little thing, they've imposed a schedule on us that forces us to spend way more time with her than any of the other residents. If we're 5 minutes late for any of this they have a panic attack about it. We use a lift for this resident, and the family members stay in the room with us for all transfers (and all care, actually). As soon as we touch the resident, they get all jumpy and start freaking out, telling us to stop what we're doing and be careful of this and that, hovering, and totally getting in the way. They also monopolize and hoard supplies (pads, briefs, lift slings, pillows, etc.). In the past, they've been told to 1). stop following CNAs into other residents' rooms and bathrooms, 2). Stop interrupting the nurse when she's pouring meds for other residents, 3). step out of the room when transfers and care are being done. They always stop for a little while, then gradually go back to their bad behavior. It's been quite a while since they've been spoken to about their behavior and it's getting out of hand again. Recently, one of them screamed in terror at a ***completely imaginary*** "unsafe" scenario and shoved a CNA out of her way in a panic. This same person has also made several hostile, accusatory comments about me, which i do not appreciate.I can't take this crap anymore! But we have a bunch of staff who cater to their every desire, and if their bad behavior is going to be stopped, it has to be consistent. I'd talk to my nursing supervisor about making hard and fast rules regarding what is not to be tolerated, but she's snobby and condescending, and I'm afraid I'll regret even bringing it up. At the same time I know that these people clearly do not like me and I don't want their accusations, which are completely unfounded, to compromise my job. (4 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Monday, March 15th, 2010 | |
| _9:10 pm_[sheilamonarch] |
First post, regarding picky eaters. Hello everyone, I'm Rin, this is my first post here so I apologize if something is wrong. Anyway, this may be an off the wall question, but humor me. I work in an assisted living facility, and I am the only CNA that also has a kitchen rotation where I am in charge of meals. My usual kitchen shift is Monday nights, so I am in charge of dinner on those nights. My facility has a "theme" for each night of the week, Mondays is soup and casserole.Now, I've just walked in the door from working my weekly kitchen shift, and I am at my absolute wits end. Most of the residents are fine, but there are about five to ten who are terribly picky, and feeding these residents is an absolute nightmare. We have one woman who claims to be allergic to everything that is cooked, every meal of every day. My question to you all is if you have any pointers on how I can encourage these residents to at least try what we've prepared, or if any of you have children, meal ideas that I may try that seem to work, since I've found that the elderly can be almost as picky as children as far as eating habits.Again, I apologize if this post is inappropriate and thank you in advance for any advice you can give me. (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 | |
| _9:21 am_[errormsg] |
Hello! Hello, I'm also a newbie in this community. I've already finished taking classes and clinicals, but I haven't taken the State exam yet. I'm very nervous about the exam and would like to know of any pointers, important tips I should know before I take the plunge.When I went to a nursing home to do clinical work, I was not happy with the way some CNAs were treating the residents. Many of them lacked compassion, were abusive (verbally and physically), and were giving me bad examples of care. Since I was only a student, I couldn't really do anything but watch. I've shared these happenings with my instructor, who has informed the head of the nursing home of what has been happening.I am very much nervous for the time that will come when I became a licensed CNA. I hope that I will do a great job. (4 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 | |
| _3:11 pm_[meliswtadv] |
Starting a new job Hey, I'm new to this community and I thought I'd share. First, I got my CNA license about a year ago, but I haven't worked that entire time. When I first got my license I worked briefly for the nursing home that offered the class. Needless to say, that was not the best experience I've had. Most of the CNA's working there treated the residents with no respect at all. Some were borderline abusive. Since then I haven't worked as a CNA. I recently started school again and am pre-nursing. I also got a new job on monday. My first day is this friday and I'm soo nervous. I haven't done anything CNA related for almost a year... and they want me to be nurse delegated. Has anyone else been nurse delegated? Is the test really hard or is it the equivalent to the CNA test? Also, the place I'm working for only has a few residents. Does anyone else work for an in home facility? Do you like it? Tell me the good and the bad please! Thank you soo much! (Comment on this) |
| Monday, September 28th, 2009 | |
| _4:26 pm_[runningincrocs] |
Home Care? I have an interview with a home care agency tomorrrow morning. I have never done home care before, and I am a little hesitant to work without a facility. Any tips or things I should be asking? Any thoughts on those who work home care as a CNA? I am still not sure I want to do this, so any advice is much appreciated. :) Thanks! (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Friday, September 11th, 2009 | |
| _9:15 pm_[blasphemer1981] |
Any of you work in a hospital? I'm going to be starting a new job at a hospital in October. I've been working in a nursing home since last January so this will be totally new to me. I'm super excited! Anyone here work in a hospital? Can you give me any pointers or advice? (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Sunday, August 9th, 2009 | |
| _3:01 pm_[crescentwishes] |
I am considering becoming a CNA... I currently am trying to complete my BA in Psych, and wanted to go into Social Work. However, I have tons of loans to pay off and I wanted to make sure I had another route to go. I have already done a year's work as a companion, and interned at a child welfare organization. I love providing care for people, but come bearing a few questions:1) How do you honestly feel about being a CNA? I hear it's tiring and thankless. I guess I'd be used to that since I want to be a social worker as well.2) How hard is it to get into a program? Is it just about being able to read and having the money? I'm trying to find a fairly cheap one and I hear some facilities will hire you right after you get certified. Correct?3) What does the job market look like? I know CNAs are needed but I obviously wouldn't have the one year of experience most places are seeking. Thank you so much in advance! Current Mood:  tired (16 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 | |
| _11:17 pm_[xx1121xx] |
If you work in a Nursing Home - have you ever been to one of your residents' funeral? (5 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 | |
| _10:22 am_[runningincrocs] |
How do you save your back? Lately, I have been trying to find some good techniques to save my back. I already use good body mechanics when lifting, but I'm still in pain. I've started stretching before and after work to get my legs and arms ready. What do you all do to prepare for work? Any tips and tricks? Advice? (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Monday, June 22nd, 2009 | |
| _10:57 pm_[katlovee] |
Hello everyone, my name is kat, I'm new to this group. I thought it would be cool to see what everyone had to say about being a CNA. I'm not a CNA yet, but come August I will be taking a class and by the end of the school year I shall be certified:]. I'm really excited about it and after highschool I plan on becoming a rn. So what all do you guys like about being a cna?Current Mood: awake (10 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Monday, June 8th, 2009 | |
| _9:52 pm_[tylertucker] |
Please welcome tyler to LJ! Hey everyone Tyler's is new to LJ please show your support! Feel free to visit his website at tylertucker.comBorn: October 9, 2000 in Greenville, South CarolinaTreatment locations: MUSC and Baltimore, Maryland.Total Surgeries: 37Tyler Updates, pictures, and chatting at TYLERTUCKER.COMTyler's Story:The beginning: When the family found out the horrible news…At Christmas, just after Tyler turned two, he fell on a small toy car and scratched his jaw. The jaw swelled and by New Years Day we had to take him to the hospital. The hospital staff said that Tyler needed surgery to remove a cyst. Dr. Wilson did the surgery and came out with tears in his eyes. He said that the problem was not a cyst, but cancer and that he sent a portion of the extracted material to the lab to have it analyzed. The results came back as Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Mandible. When the results arrived, January 30, we were called to his office and he cried with us. Tyler was admitted to MUSC Hospital in Charleston, SC immediately. We felt this couldn’t be happening to our baby; not Tyler. The staff at MUSC has been wonderful and have become like family. We learned to love everyone there. Tyler has stolen the heart of everyone on Floor 7b.Tyler was having trouble breathing because of his jaw, so the Doctor’s decided a tracheotomy was needed. At the same time, Tyler’s jaw fell so the medical staff had to wire the jaw shut. After that, he couldn’t keep feeding tubes in, forcing them to replace the tube six times.After radiation and chemo, Tyler underwent surgery again where they took fibia bone from Tyler’s leg and transplanted it into the jaw to replace tissue that had been removed because of the cancer. Shortly thereafter, it was diagnosed that the cancer had moved to both of Tyler’s lungs. Doctors removed the upper portion of Tyler’s right lung and the chemo seemed to clear up the left lung. As a result of this surgery a chest tube was inserted. Tyler was so strong that he went walking down the hall with that chest tube still in! Dr. York said she wants a picture of Tyler to go over her desk. She said that he was the strongest kid that she had ever seen and that he was her miracle baby.Tyler’s illness has been very hard on our family. Ashley, Tyler’s mom, is only in her twenties and is unable to hold down a job and still care for Tyler. He requires long trips to doctor’s appointments and special care. Tyler also has two young brothers that Ashley must care for. But God has been with our family and we believe he will carry us the rest of the way. Tyler had four staff infections while he was in the hospital, which encompassed most of 2003. We took a camper and stayed in it at Lake Air Campground so we could be near Tyler and Ashley through their ordeal.Tyler has great difficulty talking because moving his jaw is very painful. He can barely eat and weighs on 57 pounds at eight years old. For a long time, Tyler had a feeding tube because he could not eat. After two unsuccessful jaw reconstruction surgeries, Tyler is now facing a titanium jaw replacement. This will be his 37th surgery over 6 years and there will be more as he grows.Tyler loves playing with his papa George and he loves holding on to Mama and playing with her hair, but when he wants his way, he runs to Nanny, who cannot help but give him what he wants. Tyler is very close to his Nanny Darlene.Tyler has been through things that most adults couldn’t survive..Recently..Tyler is now in remission. This doesn’t mean he is cured or better in anyway. How we wish the cancer the end of his ordeal, but there is so much more Tyler has to go through..Tyler will need to be brought three hours each way to MUSC Hospital for follow up appoints all of his life. According to his doctors, he will never be 100% better. He is missing half of a lung and has had both of his legs broken to get bone for his jaw. It is devastating that he must endure more pain to take the next step and install the titanium jaw.Tyler tends to get sick often because his body is so weak from the chemotherapy. It breaks our hearts that he cannot do the things that normal kids take for granted. Right now, Tyler is home-bound, so he is not even able to enjoy school. Without many kids in his neighborhood, Tyler gets lonely for other children.Sadly, Tyler may never be able to eat properly. We pray that the surgery on his jaw will give him some form of normalcy. He will never have the kind of childhood many of us enjoyed and he may never be able to have children of his own some day because of the chemotherapy.Tyler’s cancer is uncommon. We only came across five or six other children with the same cancer in our web research. Sadly, many of those children did not make it. Others had the cancer return. Tyler has beaten the odds at every turn. The doctors never believed he would make it. We feel so lucky and blessed to have Tyler still with us and we believe he will make it!!!!!!The chance of Tyler’s cancer coming back is very high, but we believe he will beat it. It is the care and support of people from all over the world that gives us faith. We have hope, and we know Tyler is a warrior! (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 | |
| _3:33 am_[gunblade_girl] |
Thoughts on this? ( This got a little longCollapse )Too long; didn't read:Patient refuses care. Staff keep getting written up for not giving her the care that she refuses, despite following the steps administration told us to take in the event of a refusal. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks in advance. I'm just stressing pretty bad over it. Current Mood:  aggravated (6 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 | |
| _9:25 pm_[slipslapslop] |
fricken nurses!!! I'm so trired of not getting any respect from the nurses! I cannot wait till I'm a nurse because I am going to be nice and respectful to all the aides because I know what it's like. I think it might be worse in Nursing homes than in hospitals. Because in nursing homes the nurses are pretty much on the top, running things. No dr. around telling them what to do. So it seems they sorta get this power trip going on. And they think they can rule the floor like they are so much higher up than us. I'm just so tired of it!! Sorry just venting. thanks for reading! Current Mood: frustrated (7 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Monday, April 20th, 2009 | |
| _8:02 pm_[runningincrocs] |
Interviews? Okay, so tomorrow I have two job interviews at two different nursing homes/rehabilitaton centers. They both did very well on their state surveys, so I atleast have an idea of what I am getting into. However, what questions should I ask them so I don't end up in a prediciment like I was before? Are there any must ask questions in CNA interviews? Please share. Current Mood:  excited (4 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Saturday, April 18th, 2009 | |
| _9:54 pm_[runningincrocs] |
Abuse? I recently accepted a job at what I thought was a "great" nursing home located in my city. The place was immaculate, it smelled passable, the ADON and staff recruiter were both friendly and pleasant, the scheduler even gave me time off to attend some weddings. I was so excited to start, especially when I found out there were shower aides! Heck yes!Then....I started orientation on the floor two CNA's short, my preceptor was crazy and rude, they were throwing people on the beds rather than using lifts and that was NOT the worst of it. There was a bout of C. diff going around and one of my residents was getting the start of it. My preceptor and I were helping her to the toilet and she began defecating before she sat down, so we had to hold her up while she defecated into a basin on the floor because it was too messy to move her at that point. Besides the fact that that was gross, my preceptor started screaming at her and calling her a "filthy animal, s***ting on the floor," a "dog," "nasty," "hideous," and "wothless." I was in horror the entire time. Of course, I immediately reported her to the DON and the ADON. After that, and seeing other things that I don't even want to get into, I resigned. I am wondering, should I report them to state or should I just let the staff deal with it? The DON's were horrified when I told them and they apologized to me. They seemed sincere when they said they would take immediate action. I have never encountered anything like this and I hope not to in the future. Current Mood: tired (13 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Sunday, March 1st, 2009 | |
| _5:40 pm_[kirbyisshibby] |
CNA II Acute Care Has anyone else taken the course for this additional licensure? I don't know if it's just an Oregon thing, but here it's now a requirement to be a CNA II to work in a state hospital. I'm in the course right now, taking my written final tomorrow (eek) and starting clinicals on Wednesday. Any other CNA II's on here?Haven't yet decided if I want to work at the hospital and use the new things I've learned in my class, or stay at my current job at a skilled nursing facility and take the $2/hr raise I've been offered without getting to put my extra knowledge into practice. Pros and cons? (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Thursday, January 15th, 2009 | |
| _1:34 pm_[xx1121xx] |
I have an interview on Monday for a CNA position at my local nursing home.Can you give me an idea as to what they'll be asking me or may ask me at the interview? (2 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Thursday, December 25th, 2008 | |
| _8:28 pm_[ava_rain] |
So, I got the call... Hi, I'm Vanessa and I've spent the last five years as the accounting coordinator for a company that manages several Continual Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). I saw a lecture on Culture Change, which is similiar if not identical to the Eden Alternative principles, and decided I wanted to be apart of that movement. So, I decided that I needed to be a CNA before I could ever be the one to bring these concepts to the floor. So, I was offered CNA training, ceritification and a job through a small 44 bed nursing care facility. I start the seven week classes on Jan 5. I'm excited I have a plan and I'm working it, but I'm also scared...so I want to make friends here. Any advice? Any of you into the Culture Change/Eden Alternative movement? Any of you think I should call it off if I'm out of comission one week a year due to lower back pain? any of you know of sucess stories where CNAsI talk a lot but here is my general plan:Accounting Coordinator for 6 CCRCs 2004-2009 CNA Certification Work as CNA Finish degree in Human Services this year. Culture Change Consultant Credentials ? Senior Care Counselor ? Current Mood:  anxious (1 Comment |Comment on this) |
| Friday, December 12th, 2008 | |
| _12:15 pm_[redlemon] |
Process on becoming a CNA Hello, I'm new here.I've been considering training to become a CNA. I've had experience working with autistic children, hospice care (volunteer), and I was an informal home assistant to a lovely lady with dementia. I've looked about how to get trained and I'm coming up with very little. Most say to try the Red Cross. Well, the red cross in my area (SE Michigan) doesn't seem to offer training and they never answered any of my phone calls. I've also looked into community colleges, but most that offer it are pretty far away and would kind of conflict with my current classes at a local college (I'd like a Bachelor's in Gerontology or Hospice Care). The last suggestion I got was calling up local nursing homes and seeing if they offer training. And that's where I'm stuck. I'm not an extremely social telephone person, so this whole thing seems quite overwhelming to me. What do I ask or say when I call? And what kinds of nursing homes do training? I know it will essentially be a job interview if I find one, and I'm pretty prepared on that front, especially with my background. But I just seem to be having trouble getting started on this route. And what can I expect?Any advice? (6 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Thursday, December 11th, 2008 | |
| _2:53 pm_[senton495] |
State Surveys So my facility is in the middle of our yearly state survey and its fabulous timing because right now, we are in the middle of some stomach flu/virus/thing outbreak. :[So tell me about your experiences with state surveys. I'm in Wisconsin and am not too sure if this happens everywhere. How do you guys cope with it? Any extra hints or tips to share? Its not my first survey I've been through. I've been at the same facitily for going on 3 years now but new info is always helpful and appreciated. Current Mood:** bitchy (2 Comments** |Comment on this) |
[ << Previous 20 ]