I just started my job at a nursing home and it's challenging, but I think I'll get the hang of things.
Anyone out there want to give me some advice? 
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| Anyone here a CNA or work in health care? |
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Themagicalmatt
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Jan 8 @ 8:47PM
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I used to be one. for a good reason too
Too many jackass's/ungrateful and ignorant people in this world...
Now im into politics!
Hope that helps! Good luck! and have fun being a hospital maid! lolz ><
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MaggieMay64
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Jan 8 @ 8:51PM
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I am a former CNA, worked in a nursing home for 4 years, what advice are you looking for?
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whatagal
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Jan 8 @ 8:57PM
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The best advice I can give you is for you to go back to school. There is a HUGE need for physical, speech and occupational therapists. The pay is far better and rewards are awesome.
Good luck!
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JUSTLOOKIN_F
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Jan 8 @ 9:02PM
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I've worked as an LPN, in a nursing home for the last 4 years. Remember the residents are there because they can no longer take care of themselves. Everytime you walk into a residents room, think about how you would like your parent or grandparent to be treated, and act accordingly.
Altho many will ask you your name 50 times a shift, there are many who are with it and are there for health resaons. The greatest joy you can get is when a resident says, "I missed you, I'm glad you're here" or a residents family member praises you for how well you've taken care of Mom or Dad.
Good luck to you!
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beachgoer362
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Jan 8 @ 9:03PM
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I don't do it "officially" and only have one to care for...but my advice...patience, patience, patience. God bless you for choosing this career. In toady's world our elderly do not seem to be getting the respect, care and understanding they deserve. Most of them spent a good part of their lives taken care of someone else and now it's our turn to care for them. Try to keep in mind that they probably do not want to be in a home and would much rather have their independent lives back and do for themselves.
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georgiapeach42
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Jan 8 @ 9:04PM
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Have you taken any classes? But the main thing is to remember they are people just like you and me and deserve respect. I worked with the elderly for years and loved every minute of it.
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minky
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Jan 8 @ 9:10PM
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Continue your education and make friends with the nurses 
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EmmeS61
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Jan 8 @ 9:19PM
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Pay attention, learn from others. Be kind and considerate to ALL of your patients, think how you or your loved one would want to be treated. The rest will come with experience. Best of luck!
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Journeyhawk
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Jan 8 @ 9:23PM
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I worked in Health care and I am a Caregiver now. Be Honest with your patients, clients, and nursing staff. Be professional and give the best quality care that you possibly can. Go that extra 'mile' for someone if you need to. Above all, make sure you also take care of YOU.
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daisy315
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Jan 8 @ 9:39PM
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just be good to the patients .. treat them like you would want your loved ones to be treated.. and keep your hands washed !
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LadyPassion73
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Jan 8 @ 9:41PM
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I used to be a CNA...keep moving....a listen, sometimes that is all a resident needs, someone to listen, not just change their depends and feed them. Your job is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world...love your residents like you would a member of your family because you may be their only family.
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Palomino
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Jan 8 @ 9:49PM
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It's hard work passing meal trays, snacks, vitals, keeping the residents clean and dry, and making sure they drink enough fluids. But Meeper,...the best care you can give your residents is to love them and listen to them. Give them some of your precious time by holding their hands instead of reading a magazine when it's slow. Always remember this poem written by an anonymous resident years ago. Good luck to you and God bless you for being an angel here on earth. For that is now what you are...taking care of people who need you. ~Pali
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is missing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ... with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman ... and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years .... all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
Not a crabby old woman; look closer ... see ME!!
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American_Woman
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Jan 9 @ 1:01AM
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In a nursing home you will also be taking care of the families. Ask about their loved one's likes and dislikes. Their personal routines and preferences are very important to them.
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