Posted by Genevieve Gipson (web site host) on October 25, 1999 at 18:36:49:
In Reply to: Re: CNA Recruitment and retention posted by Kemper G on October 23, 1999 at 18:45:25:
: Kemper G
I think you have a lot of company in what you are saying. The trick is to say it in a way that people will listen. This is what we are trying to do with this organization and you need to be a part of creating this voice.
The Leadership Training Program is in Wash DC 10/31-11/1, but we are also planning several in other states - perhaps near you.
I will send additional info in the mail and put you in touch with others in your area who are working toward the same goals. You do not need to post your address to the message board, you can email us privately at [email protected]
Keep in there. We need your energy and spirit - also want you to consider being on a committee. We can discuss this.
Jeni Gipson
: : Recruting and retaining CNA's......Unfortunately it's
: : not just a money issue (although that's a BIGGIE!)
: : It's hard to recrute people into a business that
: : is so misunderstood. The general public views LTC
: : as a death sentence... no focus on finishing LIFE.
: : And it sure doesn't help that the only press that
: : we get is negative. You hear about the abusive aide
: : or nurse but rarely about the one that gave up their
: : day off to sit in a waiting room during surgery, or
: : at the bedside of a dying resident.
: : We need to start education early!! Get children
: : involved with the LTC. As they become members of
: : the work force maybe they won't be so quick to judge it as
: : a terrible place.
: : Once you become an CNA then you have to deal with
: : nurse's and department heads that look down on you
: : because you don't have a "degree". There is very
: : little respect for "just an aide"; and after you've
: : been shot down so many times it's hard to get back
: : up. We are rarely offered oportunities to advance
: : our knowledge unless we go back to school to become
: : nurses. An hour inservice once a month doesn't feed
: : our need for more knowledge. We are responsible
: : for our residents but given little chance to have
: : input in the decisions that shape their lives.
: : Surveyors want the residents to have a more homelike
: : environment, more personalized care but then say this
: : can be done with a 12:1 ratio. ?????? I'm consider
: : myself fortunate that I work for a county home and
: : not a "profit" one. I've done both and profit seems
: : to come before staff and residents needs.
: : CNA's need a support system. It's a tough job,
: : physically, emotionally, and mentally. Yet we
: : are often expected to work like machines and treat
: : the residents as "parts". With all of the expectations,
: : it is easy to become negative. And that can spread
: : thru a building faster than the "flu"!
: : New CNA's are often trained by someone with only a
: : few months experience because of turnover. This cheats
: : both the older CNA and th