Posted by Debbie on August 23, 1999 at 05:51:05:
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