Guest guest Posted September 4, 2002 Report Share Posted September 4, 2002 Hi again Barb, I became a CNA in 1980 and was heading into nursing school. You have just flashed me back to that time in my life. I jumped the following year and got an engineering degree! I wanted a career with less heartbreak that was not so physically taxing. I agree: good nurses aides are gold. Anne At 07:17 AM 9/4/2002 +0000, you wrote: > > >Can any one tell me about how many patients a NH nurse or aide has > >to look after in a shift? I mean, clean, dress, feed and ETC. > >That would be interesting. > >, I worked as a nurses aide for about 6 years, and then for 10 >years I worked in the nursing home in the accounting department...I >worked on the Alzheimers wing and loved it. Why did I go to an >office job, because of the work. You are right it is unbelivable >what is expected of the nursing staff but especially the aids. The >ideal number is suppose to be anywhere from 6 to 8 residents per >aid. The reality is usually 8 to 12, because of aids calling in sick >or time off or just being short staffed. > >The day shift starts the morning by making sure everybody on her list >is up. One at a time you go in and get them up, toileted, washed up, >teeth brushed, dressed and if they are in a wheelchair you put them >out into the hall until someone can take them to the dinning room. >If they are mobile you get them started in the right direction. If >they need total care you wash them up in bed and get them dressed >then up, if they are a two person transfer you have to find someone >to help you...good luck on that one. O yea unless the nursing home >has someone to come in and make the beds you are also expected to >have the room cleaned and beds made. Showers/baths are given on a >rotating schedule and if you are lucky you work for a home that has a >bath team, otherwise you save your bath people for last. Okay your >fist two hours is gone and now it is breakfast, everybody that can be >spared is in the dinning room helping to feed the residents that need >help. Some people are easy to feed, you deal with them first. Other >residents have to be coaxed to eat (with one lady we use to give her >an m & m for every bite she took). If you are a good aid you don't just >sit there and shove food into their mouths...it is my personal >opinion that shoving food is the reason some of the residents quit >eating. This is all done in approximately the first 3 to 4 hours of >the day. Some other time if you want I will talk about the other 20 >hours...it doesn't get any easier. But for all of that for the right >people it is a very satisfying job. The evening shift has fewer >staff as after dinner residents start going to bed and it isn't as >hectic. The night shift (it is not refered to as graveyard shift in a >nh) have even fewer staff as they just make rounds during the night, >some of the residents will be wandering but mostly you answer lights, >on every floor but the alz. floor, toilet, change, turn residents >that can't turn themselves. By the time you compleat your rounds it >is time to start over. " O " I forgot at the end of your shift you have >to leave enough time to chart everything that needs to be charted for >the day. Fun huh! Now ask yourself why do they do it, it certainly >isn't because of the high wages. I am worn out just writing about >it. God Bless all good nusing aids. Barb > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2002 Report Share Posted September 4, 2002 Barb, thanks for the reply. It was very detailed and interesting. I was not trying to judge any one. I would like to say taking care of just one person can be taxing. Just think taking care of 6-12 people! Like you said the pay is not very good, very hard work. We will always have very good and caring nurses, aides. Of course there will be those that just put in the time. The Aide that helps us said she had 15 patients to care for. Also they had to turn the bedridden patients every two hours. Not much sleep for the patient. Thanks again, Re: (subject changed) >Can any one tell me about how many patients a NH nurse or aide has >to look after in a shift? I mean, clean, dress, feed and ETC. >That would be interesting. , I worked as a nurses aide for about 6 years, and then for 10 years I worked in the nursing home in the accounting department...I worked on the Alzheimers wing and loved it. Why did I go to an office job, because of the work. You are right it is unbelivable what is expected of the nursing staff but especially the aids. The ideal number is suppose to be anywhere from 6 to 8 residents per aid. The reality is usually 8 to 12, because of aids calling in sick or time off or just being short staffed. The day shift starts the morning by making sure everybody on her list is up. One at a time you go in and get them up, toileted, washed up, teeth brushed, dressed and if they are in a wheelchair you put them out into the hall until someone can take them to the dinning room. If they are mobile you get them started in the right direction. If they need total care you wash them up in bed and get them dressed then up, if they are a two person transfer you have to find someone to help you...good luck on that one. O yea unless the nursing home has someone to come in and make the beds you are also expected to have the room cleaned and beds made. Showers/baths are given on a rotating schedule and if you are lucky you work for a home that has a bath team, otherwise you save your bath people for last. Okay your fist two hours is gone and now it is breakfast, everybody that can be spared is in the dinning room helping to feed the residents that need help. Some people are easy to feed, you deal with them first. Other residents have to be coaxed to eat (with one lady we use to give her an m & m for every bite she took). If you are a good aid you don't just sit there and shove food into their mouths...it is my personal opinion that shoving food is the reason some of the residents quit eating. This is all done in approximately the first 3 to 4 hours of the day. Some other time if you want I will talk about the other 20 hours...it doesn't get any easier. But for all of that for the right people it is a very satisfying job. The evening shift has fewer staff as after dinner residents start going to bed and it isn't as hectic. The night shift (it is not refered to as graveyard shift in a nh) have even fewer staff as they just make rounds during the night, some of the residents will be wandering but mostly you answer lights, on every floor but the alz. floor, toilet, change, turn residents that can't turn themselves. By the time you compleat your rounds it is time to start over. " O " I forgot at the end of your shift you have to leave enough time to chart everything that needs to be charted for the day. Fun huh! Now ask yourself why do they do it, it certainly isn't because of the high wages. I am worn out just writing about it. God Bless all good nusing aids. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2002 Report Share Posted September 4, 2002 Barb Thank you for asking about my dad. I did put in a post earlier that he is being transferred back to the hospital. My only problem with that is they can't " fix " him. Of course, as a group, we all know the LBD person can't be fixed, just loved and cared for. I haven't been doing real well. Have been having some strange feelings lately...bright lights in my right eye, light headed, sick to my stomach, migraines, hot flashes...the list goes on. I made a dr. appt. yesterday and today had to go back for glucose screening. Showed some low blood sugars so we are going to try to balance it with diet. Now, tomorrow I need to call the dr. back for any further testing. I truly appreciate your thoughts and concerns for my dad and myself. It is wonderfully comforting to know this group exists and so many people care. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2002 Report Share Posted September 4, 2002 Hi Sandy. I am sorry to hear about you and your Dad. I must have missed your post about your Dad going back. Do you think they are admitting him due to " behavior " , or do they feel he may have some actual " medical " concerns? I too have suffered from light headedness, dizzy spells, and not feeling " par " . I did notice my hemoglobin was down, so I am taking some iron which has provided some relief. Anemia often is a problem when fatigue and light headedness are present. I hope the doctors fix you up and you start feeling better. Please make sure to insist on a full blood work up, hormone work up, and they may want to run an H-Pylori test (bacteria in the stomach, makes you feel nauseas). Good luck and keep us posted. I will keep you on my ever growing prayer list! Re: Re: (subject changed) Barb Thank you for asking about my dad. I did put in a post earlier that he is being transferred back to the hospital. My only problem with that is they can't " fix " him. Of course, as a group, we all know the LBD person can't be fixed, just loved and cared for. I haven't been doing real well. Have been having some strange feelings lately...bright lights in my right eye, light headed, sick to my stomach, migraines, hot flashes...the list goes on. I made a dr. appt. yesterday and today had to go back for glucose screening. Showed some low blood sugars so we are going to try to balance it with diet. Now, tomorrow I need to call the dr. back for any further testing. I truly appreciate your thoughts and concerns for my dad and myself. It is wonderfully comforting to know this group exists and so many people care. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2002 Report Share Posted September 5, 2002 Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. The nh said my dad was aggressive and striking out at people. Of course when I asked if he has been taking his meds., again, no he hasn't. I just don't understand why some people have such a terrible time giving dad his meds. My opinion is...it is all in the approach. So far my doctor found I have been experiencing hypoglycemia (sp). And, since the test I have not experienced any light headed feelings. My head is pounding, as my family is prone to migraines. I am sure stress has something to do with how I am feeling too. Anyway, you are such a thoughtful and caring person. I really appreciate how you reach out to people! Thank you! Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2002 Report Share Posted September 5, 2002 Hi Sandie, Watch that hypglycemia. Make sure you are eating small meals and snacks frequently....and low in sugar. The worst thing you can do is fast for a prolonged period of time and then in a quest for a boost of energy, drink a sugary soda or have a snack high in sugar. This spikes your sugar way up and when it goes back down, it reaches levels lower than before you craved the energy and had the sugary snack. The danger here is that you can faint....(and hurt yourself.) I was hypoglycemic but have been able to keep it under control by watching sugar and eating very small meals several times a day. Your hypoglycemia could also be causing your headaches. I was having that problem too until I changed my diet. Don't forget to take care of YOU! I hope that you are feeling better! sanclown@... wrote: > > Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. The nh said my dad > was aggressive and striking out at people. Of course when I asked if he > has been taking his meds., again, no he hasn't. I just don't understand > why some people have such a terrible time giving dad his meds. My > opinion is...it is all in the approach. > > So far my doctor found I have been experiencing hypoglycemia (sp). And, > since the test I have not experienced any light headed feelings. My > head is pounding, as my family is prone to migraines. I am sure stress > has something to do with how I am feeling too. > > Anyway, you are such a thoughtful and caring person. I really > appreciate how you reach out to people! Thank you! > Sandie > Des Moines, IA > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2002 Report Share Posted September 5, 2002 Hi Sandie. I read an article in a medical journal detailing the effect of stress on our bodies. It is amazing what an effect it can have. When you are stressed, apparently one hormone is released which can actually cause weight gain along with other more serious effects (nausea, stomach & bowel problems, headache, muscle spasms, higher cholesterol....). The list was huge! They say regular exercise can alleviate a lot of the stress we feel, but I find it hard to find the time to fit it all in (working full time, kids, bills, house....). Well, I agree with you on approach. My SIL () is also a big " approach " believer. I hope they try the " re-approach " method too. What do they expect from him if they are not administering meds consistently? You and your Dad have been through so much lately that I will be praying for a good spell to come soon for your father. Take care of yourself. As for my being a thoughtful person, well, what is that saying? Takes one to know one?!!!! You take care Sandie! RE: Re: (subject changed) Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. The nh said my dad was aggressive and striking out at people. Of course when I asked if he has been taking his meds., again, no he hasn't. I just don't understand why some people have such a terrible time giving dad his meds. My opinion is...it is all in the approach. So far my doctor found I have been experiencing hypoglycemia (sp). And, since the test I have not experienced any light headed feelings. My head is pounding, as my family is prone to migraines. I am sure stress has something to do with how I am feeling too. Anyway, you are such a thoughtful and caring person. I really appreciate how you reach out to people! Thank you! Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2002 Report Share Posted September 5, 2002 Sandie, I agree with you regarding the medicines and approach. Mom's meds they crush and put in applesauce. I bought in some of those individual puddings, chocolate, for them to use too, especially when Mom maybe agitated. One of the nurse's likes to use strawberry ice cream to mix in the meds. They also call her by name first and then tell her they have her medicine for her, what they have mixed in with and ask her to open up to take it. When Mom was in the hospital they used similar methods. I bought in the chocolate pudding because I think it mask the taste of the meds better. At the one NH that Mom was in for two days, they said that she wouldn't take her meds. I think it was the way they approached her. There has been a few times when Mom has spit her meds back out, but I think that is to be expected with this disease! I really think she has a bug right now too. She has been feverish, had diarrhea once yesterday and today (to the best of my knowledge) has been drinking a lot, not eating off and on (the 7-3 nurse told me she fed Mom one of the puddings this morning because she wouldn't eat her breakfast. She ate the pudding! She also drank her fluids.) The mumbling and growling wasn't there today. She was actually able to talk fairly clear today. I'm a little frustrated because I don't feel that the staff was as concerned about this as they should have been. I called Mom's doctor to report what I was seeing and he was going to follow up on it. They have to remember that one size doesn't fit all. They are still individuals regardless of whatever reason has them in the NH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2002 Report Share Posted September 5, 2002 Sandie, I agree with you regarding the medicines and approach. Mom's meds they crush and put in applesauce. I bought in some of those individual puddings, chocolate, for them to use too, especially when Mom maybe agitated. One of the nurse's likes to use strawberry ice cream to mix in the meds. They also call her by name first and then tell her they have her medicine for her, what they have mixed in with and ask her to open up to take it. When Mom was in the hospital they used similar methods. I bought in the chocolate pudding because I think it mask the taste of the meds better. At the one NH that Mom was in for two days, they said that she wouldn't take her meds. I think it was the way they approached her. There has been a few times when Mom has spit her meds back out, but I think that is to be expected with this disease! I really think she has a bug right now too. She has been feverish, had diarrhea once yesterday and today (to the best of my knowledge) has been drinking a lot, not eating off and on (the 7-3 nurse told me she fed Mom one of the puddings this morning because she wouldn't eat her breakfast. She ate the pudding! She also drank her fluids.) The mumbling and growling wasn't there today. She was actually able to talk fairly clear today. I'm a little frustrated because I don't feel that the staff was as concerned about this as they should have been. I called Mom's doctor to report what I was seeing and he was going to follow up on it. They have to remember that one size doesn't fit all. They are still individuals regardless of whatever reason has them in the NH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Sandi, Dear dear girl, What will you face next!!!!! Have you started your search on a new facility yet? I have heard good things about a facility in Indianola that has a special unit for Alz. and know of two families who have used it for Alz parents and were very happy there. I just found out that my dads brother is there as well. He has Parkinson's. If I can be of any help let me know. Thinking about you!!! Debbie Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Thank you for this helpful information concerning hyperglycemia. I need all the help I can get with this newfound health problem I am facing. As for my dad...to the group...new news. He is still at the hospital, (adult psychiatric unit) and when I talked to the nh yesterday, the assistant director of nursing told me a letter is being sent to me stating dads involuntary discharge. In other terms, the nh is giving him 30 days to be placed elsewhere. Just spoke to the social worker at the hospital, even they feel lied to. Anyway, in a nutshell, I am looking for another nh for my dad to live. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Thank you for this helpful information concerning hyperglycemia. I need all the help I can get with this newfound health problem I am facing. As for my dad...to the group...new news. He is still at the hospital, (adult psychiatric unit) and when I talked to the nh yesterday, the assistant director of nursing told me a letter is being sent to me stating dads involuntary discharge. In other terms, the nh is giving him 30 days to be placed elsewhere. Just spoke to the social worker at the hospital, even they feel lied to. Anyway, in a nutshell, I am looking for another nh for my dad to live. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Sandie, How devastating. I am so sorry to hear this. Did you by chance have a " back up " facility in mind? Was he in a " dementia " unit or a " cognitively Impaired " unit? I wish you the best in searching for a better place for him. In a way, maybe some good could come from this? If you start somewhere else, you can kind of train them how to do things for him now that you know what works and what doesn't. Giving them all the " reading " material so the new place can have a full understanding of what your Dad has. Who know, maybe the next place will have better staff too. Extra prayers going your way. Keep us posted. Re: Re: (subject changed) Thank you for this helpful information concerning hyperglycemia. I need all the help I can get with this newfound health problem I am facing. As for my dad...to the group...new news. He is still at the hospital, (adult psychiatric unit) and when I talked to the nh yesterday, the assistant director of nursing told me a letter is being sent to me stating dads involuntary discharge. In other terms, the nh is giving him 30 days to be placed elsewhere. Just spoke to the social worker at the hospital, even they feel lied to. Anyway, in a nutshell, I am looking for another nh for my dad to live. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Debbie Just knowing I am not along, and in Iowa, is help in itself. Thank you for the offer. How has your dad been doing? I hope all is well with you, and your family. Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Dad was in the Alzheimers Unit of the nh. When telling people of the change, I word it as having liked knowing there was change coming instead of being smacked upside the head with the news. Now that the news has had time to settle, I agree, there has to be good coming out of this. I am hopeful a different facility can give better care. In fact, I learned last evening late, that the administrator, 4 one in 2 1/2 yrs, resigned. Hmmm, makes me think there is a lot of chaos at the nh. I really don't want my dad to go back, even if it were a choice. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and words. I appreciate the support. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Dad was in the Alzheimers Unit of the nh. When telling people of the change, I word it as having liked knowing there was change coming instead of being smacked upside the head with the news. Now that the news has had time to settle, I agree, there has to be good coming out of this. I am hopeful a different facility can give better care. In fact, I learned last evening late, that the administrator, 4 one in 2 1/2 yrs, resigned. Hmmm, makes me think there is a lot of chaos at the nh. I really don't want my dad to go back, even if it were a choice. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and words. I appreciate the support. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Sandie, so sorry to see that NH problems continue with your dad. I hope there is a quick solution out there. The same goes with your health issues - the sooner resolved the better. Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Sandie, so sorry to see that NH problems continue with your dad. I hope there is a quick solution out there. The same goes with your health issues - the sooner resolved the better. Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Wow Sandie. The 4th administrator in 2 1/2 years???!! That speaks volumes. You know, you would think Alzheimer's units are usually well versed in handling patients experiencing " agitated " moments wouldn't you? Well, on to better places! Good luck! RE: Re: (subject changed) Dad was in the Alzheimers Unit of the nh. When telling people of the change, I word it as having liked knowing there was change coming instead of being smacked upside the head with the news. Now that the news has had time to settle, I agree, there has to be good coming out of this. I am hopeful a different facility can give better care. In fact, I learned last evening late, that the administrator, 4 one in 2 1/2 yrs, resigned. Hmmm, makes me think there is a lot of chaos at the nh. I really don't want my dad to go back, even if it were a choice. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and words. I appreciate the support. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Wow Sandie. The 4th administrator in 2 1/2 years???!! That speaks volumes. You know, you would think Alzheimer's units are usually well versed in handling patients experiencing " agitated " moments wouldn't you? Well, on to better places! Good luck! RE: Re: (subject changed) Dad was in the Alzheimers Unit of the nh. When telling people of the change, I word it as having liked knowing there was change coming instead of being smacked upside the head with the news. Now that the news has had time to settle, I agree, there has to be good coming out of this. I am hopeful a different facility can give better care. In fact, I learned last evening late, that the administrator, 4 one in 2 1/2 yrs, resigned. Hmmm, makes me think there is a lot of chaos at the nh. I really don't want my dad to go back, even if it were a choice. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and words. I appreciate the support. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2002 Report Share Posted September 6, 2002 Sandie, I truly wish you luck in finding a sutible above your best expetations, place for your Dad to live. I have been praying extra hard lately and it seems to be working. I will pray extra hard for you and everyone. Shirley _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2002 Report Share Posted September 10, 2002 Sandie, you and your dad are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2002 Report Share Posted September 10, 2002 Sandie, seek legal consult. This is illegal. Talk to your State Representatives. I am outraged to hear this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2002 Report Share Posted September 10, 2002 Thank you for the continued support and prayers. I believe my dad is in much need of all prayers right now. This truly helps knowing many people are praying for him. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2002 Report Share Posted September 11, 2002 Thank you for the vitamin information. I too will look into getting started on the vitamin E. With dad having two brothers, one passed away from a heart attack and had some kind of dementia and the other brother having Parkinson's. My dad has both (LBD). My odds do not look very good. I worry about it skipping a generation in My family and my children possibly being a target for one or both of these diseases. Sandi, I find it interesting that your dads brother has Parkinson's. Call me if you need to unload to someone who understands and can lend an ear. Thinking about you. Debbie Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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