Well after my article last week, and the responses to what I exposed about some of the issues some nursing homes are facing it was time to speak with some more of the CNA's (Certified Nursing Assistants) who do this very difficult job. Men and women who are on the job sometimes for more then one shift. They have many years experience and really understand the needs of the residents in these faculities. The problem for most of them is not enough help. One can be great at doing something but they will tell you without the backup when your dealing with almost 40 people in a rehab unit there are things that never get done. Not that the CNA's are not doing their jobs it is that the way some of these Nursing homes are run as they do not allow more help so that everything gets finished, and corners are not cut.
Example of this: Boces in Utica New York trains CNA's to spend at least 15 to 20 minutes with each resident. If you look at what is supposed to be done with regards to personal hygiene from assisting with washing, and changing a (diaper) oh excuse me we call them briefs and when I say that most residents say to me my boxer shorts? or my diaper? their false teeth, taking care of making sure water is in the room for them, their requests for snacks fixing a remote.Then there are their shower days, and taking a resident to PT. Perhaps there is a haircut or church they want to go to. And then the CNA helps out in the dining area everynight or with room trays and so much more. Residents are encouraged to help themselves, but if they are in rehab and really sick they may not be able to do for themselves what they would normally do. This is intense, and time should be given to someone who is need of help. On the flip side there are residents that do take care of most of their needs, and the same amount of time is not needed. Giving a bit more time to some of the other residents. But either way most CNA's do not take breaks, and have no down time just to check in on a resident and make sure they are okay.
When a resident is a two assist meaning that there needs to be two people to care for them by state law and only three CNA's on a shift all the residents suffer. Lights are ignorned residents fall, and some are left in their own feces or with there pants down because a CNA can't get back to them to help. As someone looking in on this it is sad that in some of these Nursing Homes where one unit like rehah pays for the entire place yet employees are told there is are enough funds to hire more help. The other day I read about the oath doctors take in the medical profession, and after reading it again I certainly question why this abuse continues. For these men, and women who give of themselves they get burnt quickly, and much of the time sugar and coffee are two drinks that keep them going. How good is that for their bodies, and minds? As I wrote before there is no Humanity where this is happening.
A growing number of physicians have come to feel that the Hippocratic Oath is inadequate to address the realities of a medical world that has witnessed huge scientific, economic, political, and social changes, a world of legalized abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and pestilences unheard of in Hippocrates' time.
One is told it will get worse? why? this writer still says greed, and employers trying to squeeze the most out of an employee. During Hippocrates time there where no CEO's of companies no issues with states, and federal government it was about patients~!! As in this verse, I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone. Speak to anyone in a nursing home and see how many are being harmed by the lack of care~!!!!
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