Posted by Genevieve Gipson RN MEd RNC (web site host) on August 30, 1999 at 19:22:10:
In Reply to: Re: !!!!!SUPPORT...PLEASE!!!!! posted by BeckyfromSC on August 30, 1999 at 16:24:09:
Becky
Such a nice response. I was wondering if you attended the Leadership Training Program for NAs that was just conducted in Columbia SC, Aug 23-24? Let me know if you were there or if you know anyone who attended. Thanks.
: Dear Cindy,
: It is very unfortunate that other CNA's, who should be helping to make our jobs go just a little bit more smoothly, can actually only increase our burden. I'm sure it is very disheartening to look to your supervisor for help and not find it.
: As I am a God-fearing woman, I know that the best advice is given while asking on your knees...PRAY; but you must pray believing. I've learned this, many times over. I am a CNA at an Alzheimer's specialized facility in Greenville and it is a very demanding job; both physically and emotionally. I have learned that the qualities needed to perform the duties required of me are far greater than that which I possess alone. So, I tell Him. I ask Him on a daily basis to guide me, to give me the patience I need in order to be the health care provider that He would have me to be. Not that THEY (and you know who THEY are) want me to be, but HE. And He does. Sometimes, it seems as though He isn't there, that He is unaware of my distress, but at the day's end, when reflecting on how the day went, I am able to clearly see that He was there all along.
: I know it seems as though I am preaching to you; that was not my intention. But, really and truly, it works...if you believe it will.
: Also, it helps to display positive emotions in the work place. No, I've not lost my mind (though I do believe that, contrary to popular opinion, Alzheimer's is contagious--LOL.) I know this is very difficult, but if they see that, despite all the negative influence in the job, you're still maintaining your composure, they are going to want to achieve that, as well.
: In closing, I would like to simply say just hang in there. I know it would be so very easy to just give up; after all, you are only one person and you can't change anything or even make a difference, right? Wrong! If you think about it for a few minutes, I'm sure there is at least one resident in whose life you have made a difference. Besides, if everyone gave up and quit, who would be left to take care of these people we so dearly love?
: Becky