Posted by Pat CNA from Maine on July 02, 1999 at 20:24:34:
Hi Debbie,
I'm feeling your pain believe me. The economy has to slow down I guess before people will consider these jobs. I don't know how you can possibly care for 20-25 residents and not just collapse from exhaustion and frustration. There are days we may have 10-12 residents and to do morning care, breakfast, having these people washed, dressed, hoyered, then have lunch and do it all over again while trying to keep some others clean safe and dry seems insurmountable.......how do you guys do it? I know on some evenings at our facility the numbers do go up to 15 or so , but you only have one meal and its a little easier paced than during the day. Yes, we take turns having pot lucks, our charge nurse keeps us supplied with chocolate....can't deal without it... What can we do on a universal level to awaken the politicos to these problems.....sure we crash and burn from time to time...but the residents are the ones who pay the price
for the shortcuts. I'm so glad this board is here....I think I'm finally figuring out how to use it.
Suggestions anyone??? I was told to write letters to legislators....hmmm we know how that can go one on one....maybe if we all wrote.......
I don't know......feedback appreciated anyone have any ideas?????????? Pat