Posted by Lori on August 24, 1999 at 14:19:48:
In Reply to: Re: FRUSTRATED posted by Lori on August 24, 1999 at 14:14:52:
: : I know we have all worked short before, but this is
: : ridiculous. For a long time now at our facility we
: : have had anywhere from 14 to 23 residents per aide.
: : The 14 I can handle pretty well, but when I have 23
: : residents, (total care) it is much too much. I don't
: : know how they expect us to do our great job. We try
: : and we cry. I don't know what the answer is-except to
: : hire more CNA's. No one is moving on it. We are not
: : having call ins at this time, we are just short-staffed. I know this is an old, familiar complaint,
: : and I don't really like to go on and on about being
: : short, but does anyone think 23 residents to care for
: : is too much? Any ideas?? We think the DON and ADON
: : and even the Administrator should go on the floor when
: : this occurs. Is this unreasonable?? I am talking about
: : the afternoon shift by the way. I have been with this
: : facility for 7 years and do not want to quit, hoping
: : things will get better----it's not happening.In fact,
: : since everyday we have 1 or 2 dayshift people stay
: : overtime, they leave at 7:30pm and then the hall they
: : were on only has 2 aides, which is 32 residents to
: : care for from 7:30-10:30. I am surprised there have
: : been no incidents from this working short. Honestly,
: : we do the best we can, we feel bad for the residents
: : and for the family members. We are not allowed to use
: : the word short--but they can tell we are, just by
: : how long it might take to answer a call llght.
: : How many residents should one aide be responsible for
: : on the afternoon shift?? We do our own showers also,
: : but not when we have 23 residents. Isn't that a shame?
: : What is legal?? Thanks for listening, I know this is
: : long, but I am looking for support before I give up and
: : look for another job. Debbie
: Debbie stick with it the industry, your facility and most importantly your residents can afford to lose you. Everyday we fight this battle and yes it can get better. Our organization is having remarkable results in areas of CNA shortage. It isn't an unwillingness to hire CNAs (in most companies)it is a lack of quality applicants. I am the cofounder of the national association of geriatric nursing assistants a professional association of certified nursing assistants nationwide. We have thousands of members who are working toghether in their communities, state and nation to remedy the staffing situations. To once and for all get to the root of the problem and then take action. Many of our memers have been credited with not only finding the solution but making the solution happen. It is important not to feel helpless, but to empower yourself to take action in a way that will serve your career and your residents best interest. I was a CNA for 7 years and I shared your feelings. It was those feelings that lead me to start this associaiton to honor, recognize, educate and empower the great CNAs of this nation. I hope that we can keep in touch. Feel free to check out our website at nagna.org Keep the faith and understand that quiting will not solve the problem only deprive you of the love you have for your residents and your residents of a professional loving caregiver.
I found an error in my previous response. I hope you understand I meant to say your residents CAN'T afford to lose you. Sorry for the mistake, there may be others, I am not a gifted speller but I caught that one the second I hit send. Feel free to keep in touch.