So I get to my job this mornin do the usual stuff at the end of my shift my patient finally tells me the night nurse I relieved didnt want to get her butt outta bed to bathroom my patient in the middle of the night and asked that she "do it in your diaper"
Now Im pretty sure y'all know where I am on this issue if a person can reasonably ambulate with little assistance I assist them I dont give a flyin fig what time it is this person is dying give her dignity...
Thoughts? What would you say or do if you were in my shoes?

quote:

You would be surprised at the serious drug and drinking problems

Oh boy did you say it! I remember not too long ago one LVN showed up to my patients house I could smell the alcohol from her pores Now I aint no prude drink if you want but dont sit there and tell me you didnt drink when I can smell it all over you Man she stunk! Aint no shower or bath or perfume for that matter can cover the fact a person drank copious amounts of liquor the night before

good information about medicines.They even have alarms that go off when it is time for meds.
I always had to be the one to distribute the meds.Wish I had thought of the bags for my self.
Someone always has an idea to share.Please continue toshare.
I do not want to get on the subject of nurses , hospitals and care facilities.That is a very troublesome topic for me.
There was some good I experienced and there was some stories from hell.
I still hear so many horror stories about hospitals, the many mistakes and , so called, care facilities.I think too many have lost their way when it comes to compassion.All it is, to many, is a job.You would be surprised at the serious drug and drinking problems , many , in the medical community have.No one blows the whistle because each knows something damagibg about the other

Howdy Kimmetha yes your at the right place and yes I even have LO's of my patients who also use your method of giving pills but please, this is from the heart and experience so please do not be offended this is for safety purposes.
Make sure there is always someone around to remind him and watch him, this is what happens far too often for my taste... way too many times I have been in the home that used this method and found they either pocket the pills, say they took them, misplace them, or just altogether toss them out because they dont want to take them or heaven forbid like my MIL, took the wrong pills (my hunnys) instead of her own, baby you aint never seen a person force another person to upchuck so quick in your life!
Shes fine still kickin but man was that a scary moment for me and the very LAST time I left out medication not to mention hunny got his butt chewed upside one an down the other!
Ok so he didnt deserve it, it was a simple mistake and I was on hyperdrive after that scare
Please by all means introduce yourself and who your caring for in the new caregivers room so we can all say howdy its a pleasure to meet you

I worked in the nursing field for a short time, but due to medical problems of my own I had to stop. I feel that if every nurse or caregiver would treat thier patients the way they would want to be treated the medical field would be in a lot better shape. I t makes me sick to see the way some patients are treated in hospitals and the staff should stop and think "what if that was my mother or father or other relative how would I want them to be treated." Before my Mother-in-law passed away I called quite a few staff members on the carpet for thier lack of care. I feel very strongly about this subject. I now care for my husband who has diabetic retinopathy and is considered legally blind and my Father-in-law who is 82 and is begining to get somewhat confused when it comes to his meds. I have worked with him and found a solution that works for both of us. I don't really know if this is the place I should be posting this, but here goes. I found some 3 X 4 craft zipper bags and marked them with AM & PM. Then I set up his meds for 30 days at a time then all he has to do is just open the small bag and take the meds. The prescription bottles I keep at my house and he just has to be reminded of the correct time to take his meds. I hope this tip will help someone else out there

Mae if their only a nurses assistant and not certified by the state they usually dont know anything unless they have had experience like us.
If they are certified they better know how to do a colostomy bag and cath. bed bath peri care I could go down a list of over 50 things we all need to know just to pass since its in the Red Cross training classes
If they dont they obviously were asleep through the classes and internship at the NH.
And please, sit down? Are ya kidding me unless someone demands I sit and do nothing *and lord knows Ive been asked* I finish my shift out and call the office to never send me there again.
I dont set on my a$$ for no one, thats not what Im paid to do and thats certainly not why I went to school.
Iv ruffled a few feathers at the office over that, one gal told me "You have to respect they need conversation and companionship".
I told her that may be true dear but thats not what I do put me in the thick of it and let me go cause as far as Im concerned I work here to help folks that actually need help Im not a chauffeur/taxi service (especially with these gas prices) or a house maid
I will clean up yes but a person that needs a higher level of care is where I need to be
Thank the stars above they finally listened.
Dochka your absolutely right in fact I just gave a heads up to my relief today, I told her my patient in there WILL tell me if she has a complaint about quality of care please be on your toes and pass it along to your relief because I AM OBLIGATED to report any abuse I wont risk my job for no one and that lady there deserves the best care we can give her.
I politely thanked her and said goodbye walked over to my patient to tell her I was leaving she pulled me down and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
Now THATS what its all about for me.

I'M WITH YOU, BG!
I also could not in good conscience let a remark like that slide. We need more people to complain to keep people doing a good job.
Heck, forget about a GOOD job, noone wants to do THEIR job ANYMORE! Just wanna paycheck.
AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I have heard so many horrible stories about those who come to the home to help with care.Especially those who are in the home full time.The aides told me they get paid good money and all they do is watch tv and talk on the phone.
I would not be able to go to sllep at night knowing I got paid for sitting on my arsh.
I had a few volunteers that did not come back a second time.One used my phone to make long distant calls.She must have thought I would not be able to read my phone bill.Plus my son had come while I was gone and said the chick was on the phone in my bedroom.
She was forced to pay me for the calls and was fired.
I had a few aides who could not deal with a colostomy bag.Well they were nice girls but I did not have them back.Too many of these girls have no proper training.Not familiar with a colostomy bag, an external catherator, .One told me she never bed bathed anyone.To say I was fit to be tied is an understatement,
I wanted someone I did not have to stand over all the time.The ones that were good were great .The bad were pathetic.I finally called the agency and the VA and told them for what they were paying and getting payed I deserved the royal treatment for my husband.Most agencies need the contracts from the VA because they get paid right away.I had more then one battle with the way some of the aides cared for hubby.I was know as very protective when it came to hubbies care.I never gave less then my best and expected the same.
I never got out much when a caregiver.When I did no one ever asked about hubby.Because most knew me theyknew I earne the time out and just was pleased to see me.I think I would have told them I shackled him to the bed if they had started a drawn out conversation.
In the final days I had more then a few who were doubting my husbands care.My response to them was go to the place, talk to the doctors and nurses.Argue with them.The sad thing is these people spent so little time with my husband.Easy to be a monday morning quarter back.
I met so many who were so compassionate in their care.I made it known how god they were and if possible have them to the house.
One thing is for sure, among certain groups you will find when the cats away the mouse will play.
They come in a colors , shapes and forms.They may smile a good smile but do not be afrid to set a trap/

Ouch Gypsy Im so sorry, well I guess its true as MB put it "there ARE going to be ijuts, incompetents, people who should not be watching out for any living thing (unless one counts pet rocks)"
That takes detachment skills to a whole new level I never wanna get to.

Mar I have to say it can be frustrating at times but its the most rewarding job you'll ever do.
Knowing you as we do you would be perfect in that role.
I wish more of us here went on to do this work I doubt we would ever hear another complaint about agencies....Oh sure their is always going to be a few but I believe with all our experience and compassion we wouldnt be hearing/seeing stories like this

BG, In my dealings with caregivers with my mom I'd say only 2 were right on top. It seems both had also been in my place. I KNOW the live in use to wait for me to change drs. and if I was in control and not my mother's son (nope never heard from him since the funeral) I would have found someone else. If I was you I would find out who was on before you and talk to her or your supervisor. It's not air the way people get treated these days. I'm begining to think that if I do move away from this area maybe I can try that road of a caregiver career and make a difference like you are doing.

BG you have brought back some memories from when Mike was in the hospital when he first had his stroke. One of the staff told him to just do it in bed-said it was easier for her than putting him on the pan or up on commode(had to use hoyer) I finally had to talk to our Dr. as Mike would not go-ended constipated then they would give him something often he wouldn't go till they gave him an enema. It was only when I heard her say it that I twigged what was happening. One call to our Dr. things changed.(retiring this week )Once they started using commode/bedpan the situation changed. He does sometimes have an accident at night but we deal with it immediatly( we sleep in the same bed Speaking of which I better get there. Goodnight. Gypsy

I reported it, no enhancement, none of our usual comments, no coloring, bland, up front, take it or leave it
I could tell she was concerned by what I was telling her and she was going to check out exactly who was there before and after me
Ill just say what I feel here cause honey I think the ONLY reason these lil twits work for this agency is cause they wanna play nursie poo and wear scrubs...
IMHO
Hospice= needing someone with "knowledge"
Client= needing someone as a "companion"
These lil girls need to be directed back to the "companion playground" no pass go no collect $200.
NA means "Nurses Assistant" they are not trained not certified by the state have not been schooled in other words anyone could walk in off the street and get hired with only a basic knowledge of first aid.
Hell the very first girl who relieved me on the first day freaked out when she heard the patient was dying she said and I quote her
"I only BABYSIT once a week for a lady thats real nice I dont know nothing about Hospice"
The eek, that was the look on her face!

quote:

The girl that relieved me today actually started to argue with me of all people that a person cant aspirate on water

Perhaps a little demonstration of waterboarding on her would help her to understand firsthand that people can not only aspirate on water, they can aspirate on ANYTHING that can be inhaled into the windpipes...

OK, so maybe that would be too much fun...

BG, there ARE going to be ijuts, incompetents, people who should not be watching out for any living thing (unless one counts pet rocks), and those who just don't give a rat's fanny and halfway see the entire deal as personal amusement... Reporting what you see and hear without embellishment or personal viewpoints - just the facts, ma'm is probably the safest course of action for you and your patients.

How did your agency take your report? Did they seem like they were gonna speak with the other employee? What's NA?

OMG, she doesn't know that anything other than air that goes down wrong... never mind. I don't even have training. My Aunt developed pneumonia that way. My cousin (her daughter) was frantic. Darned if she didn't do the best she could and now she tries to keep check on me. My Aunt, her mom passed away 2 years ago.

One thing I did find out today that may shed a little light on this matter although you wont catch me saying "Oh ok then I guess thats all right" we are getting a bunch of NA's at my patients home for the overnight hours simply because this patient wants only Caucasian nurses which from what I gathered at this agency is hard to come by dont ask I dont know thats what came out of my co workers mouth all I can say is then you better start upping your hiring standards with NA's cause this doesnt cut it with me.
The girl that relieved me today actually started to argue with me of all people that a person cant aspirate on water
ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?!
I reported that too while I was at it dam broad could kill my patient stupid lil twit
Its bad enough I had to request thickener when it should have been ordered so I brought over the only thing I have plenty of at my house rice
I made up a big ole pot of rice water and blended it so she could at least get some kind of hydration and added to a thicker batch a bunch of fruits to it so she would eat something.

Oooh BG, there are many of Mom's friends I have come to know. Difficult to keep it all in perspective. An 80 year old lady who used to be active with rescue for pets... Her H had a stroke a few months ago. he is bedridden.. She has 5 kitties and 3 little dogs.

So far, they get by with family help... I wonder how long. Bless her heart.

If I found out that some one left her in her diaper, I swear, I would want to know why. If Mom gets left like that all kinds of ruckus will break loose.

Choked BC? Hell I straight out said "Thats abusive" before I could even bite my tongue.
You know me too well
The hackles on the back of my neck dam near departed my head!
Im looking into these beautiful blue loving eyes lookin back on me with such trust and all I wanted to do is find this lil twit and beat the cr*p outta her
Im so pissed off still my eyes are watering just thinking about it.

And yes dreams are very vivid at least in my experience.
I hear you about the confidence thing too this is the first clients I have had that had this level of confidence with me.
Others before are very standoffish and its kinda irritating to me because they dont get to know who I am as a person only a few have been nice but this client is head and shoulders above the rest I can not let them down...Boy can I just say when this one leaves this world its gonna hit me square in the heart.

BG, I know you are ultra sensitive to any neglect or abuse, I can well imagine you about choked on your tongue when your patient said that. If I didn't know from my own experience that during the night Mom will dream up a storm and a half, oh lordy, who knows.

I had no idea that the dream land was so vibrant at this stage. Is it for others.???

I divide my time through the week with Mom. Luckily, so far she can complain to me. I do try to not blame, but I do ask. I watch for any sign of abuse or neglect. And everyone who takes care of her meets me before they meet her. There are no psychotropic meds in her house currently. So no one can say it was her meds. If she shows anxiety when I leave her, I will want to get to the bottom of it. Yeh yeh, she never is happy that I am going home, but, I always tell her when I will be back.


While I really don't have any reason to think anyone has neglected her (other problems have come up, but not neglect or abuse.) I am still squeaky about the agency, but even they know bro or me are likely to pop in.

I get the feeling that our situation is wierd for the agency folks. I get there early to relieve them. Take a good look around before I sign them out. I always sign them out on time though. I really miss the lady that took such good care of Mom, but had to leave. I am not sure I will ever have that level of confidence again/.

Sorry, hunny and din din called me away, I hear you BC
Sorry bnot I dont know whether you got the feeling or not I was being passive about this Im hypersensitive to abuse I have to get everyones input because of this to see whether or not Im off about something
I went and called because even if this is not true and this was a delusion she could say something to other members of her family and those persons could turn around and spread a rumor about this agency and that could turn ugly.
I remember not too long ago in fact while I was interning at a NH here some girl added a comment to the internet yellow pages about the same NH I was at saying how they didnt have AC her grandmother was treated poorly and a whole list of other things that I could easily tell you without a doubt was completely false.
I responded to it stating I have no idea what NH this young lady had her Gran at but I can say without a doubt it was not this facility and I expounded
because this facility in order to let colleges intern there they are under strict guidelines that they have to follow and are regularly monitored to insure that we are trained properly.
With something like this I cant even respond and who would I respond to this family is slowly losing their Matriarch that they love, whos going to even want to listen to me defend this agency?
I mulled it over and decided its best to pass the patient complaint off to the proper people and let them handle it, they know I dont tolerate abuse and can be over protective at times...its better that its out of my hands it also takes suspicion off of me on the off chance the patient starts to become extremely confused and tells someone it was me...

Smart family to see that you know the biz. I still am not comfortable with the weekend agency staff. Not their fault exactly. Someone is there. I feel like if Mom has not met the person, I have to come back to town.

I introduce her to a person I do not know!!!


I want the lady back who moved away. it ain't happenning. I live 30 min. away not so bad compared to many. Be careful BG. Your clients need you. Don't shoot yourself in the foot.