Starting at a young age, I knew my mission in life was to help people. Now, being ten, I didn't know exactly how I was going to do that, but I was determined. During my Junior year I had taken a program through our local BOCES, and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. For those who are unclear of what a CNA is: A person trained and certified to assist hospital patients or residents of long-term care facilities with hygiene and other activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse.
I myself have worked in two nursing homes since I was Seventeen, and let me tell you, it was a definite eye opener. There are so many things people don't understand about our jobs.
1. We're Tired.
We may have big smiles on our faces, but under that we are exhausted. No matter which shift you work, it is utterly impossible to get the recommended "8 Hours of rest". Not to mention the frequent mandation. I can't even tell you how many times I pulled 12-16 hr shifts. I know from my experience it's impossible to even relax after work because I have too many things on my mind. Ranging from "Did I give that person their call bell?" "Did I empty everyone's trash bins?" " Did I even care track?"
2. We have more than one person we care for a shift.
Many family members come in requesting specific care instructions for their loved one. Yes we follow your requests to a certain extent, but please forgive me that I couldn't curl your mothers hair every morning (when the beautician does their perms 1-2 times a week, spend 20 minutes doing their makeup or shave your fathers face every morning because there are times I have 13 other people to get ready for the day or even for bed in 3 Hours. When you divide that up, that's 13 minutes per person; and that's with giving them proper time on the toilet, washing their body, dressing them, helping brush their teeth, and actually getting them in bed/ chair and comfortable.
3. We are in pain.
If you ask any CNA what hurts the most after a shift eight out of ten will either say their back or feet. As much as facilities would like to say they're a "No Lift Workplace" it's honestly impossible, not every person uses proper body mechanics, and most of the time we are more worried about the patient than ourselves. I have had callous on top of callous on my feet, dry cracked hands from washing them 1,000,000 a shift, and have been in so much pain I need help getting in and out of bed. I have walked into supervisors offices crying, and in so much pain I can hardly stand, and they still ask "So you can't work?"
4. We are emotionally exhausted.
I can't even fathom the amount of times I have cried at work; whether it be loosing someone whom I have cared for, or being kicked, spit, or yelled at, or I was so frustrated with that shift itself I was ready to turn in my badge. After taking care of someone for so long, they end up becoming a part of your life. As much as people say "don't get attached" it is utterly impossible not to. We are there with them through the good, and the bad times. We know just how they like their hair in the morning, we hold them when they're scared and comfort them when they are so upset that they can't remember their families names. We have to do the postmortem care of someone who we have grown to love; it's not an easy thing to do. We loose them too, it takes a toll on us. Please don't yell at us or belittle us because you don't like the way something is done. I've lost count on how many times a family member has cursed at me, or was just plain rude to me over something I have no control of.
5. We're just trying to make a living too.
When I tell someone I'm a CNA they look at me and say "Oh you poor thing, that's a horrible job" or when you tell someone you've been working as an aide for a long time they look at you and wonder what you've done with your life. Yes, being an aide has it's days and we don't get paid nearly enough, but to a lot of us that's not what matters. What matters to us is that your family member is taken care of to the best of our ability. Don't talk trash or look down at someone who is "just an aide" because we are far more than that. Hopefully when you become ill or elderly or have a family member in a facility that employs CNAs, you will respect them and treat them with the dignity that we treat our patients.
6. Last but not least: We are taken for granted.
Yes, you will meet aides that are only there for the paycheck and they don't care about anything but themselves, but don't let them speak for all of us. A lot of us are hardworking, good aides, who would do anything for your family member. We don't get to enjoy holidays with our families; instead we are there making sure your family member has the best time they can possibly have. Being an aide is hard work, but I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I have met some of the greatest people, both residents and co-workers. I know what hard work is, and it only makes me strive harder. I've heard their stories, I've cared for them, I've laughed with them, I've held their hand in their last moments. I am more than "just an aide."
If you see a CNA today, please just say thank you, it can turn someone's entire day around.
