My Daily Life in a Nutshell

Today was my Friday and let me tell you…such a relief! Instead of my usual four on two off, I was on for five days and each one of those days we only had 3 people for two halls. As stressful as it was, the residents and I had a lot of fun and definitely got into the routine of things. There is this one little lady who always has me get her ready for bed. We kept this routine all five days because she has a very specific way of getting things done. She’s one of the more independent residents who can do most things on her own and only needs help here and there.

All day this other gentleman was playing music from his radio – these old time classics- and whenever I went into his room I’d tell him how he makes me want to go dancing. Well, whenever I got him up, we’d dance our way to wherever we went. He is such a sweetheart, you guys. I wish I could tell you more, but I will say that he is definitely one of my favorite residents to be around.

Unlike most days, today was not as stressful. Usually call lights go crazy and I bounce from room to room the entire shift. Today, the residents seemed to be very content and not many were on. If you’ve ever worked as a CNA, you’ll know how much of a relief that is. Most of the residents are pretty independent in their daily lives, but we do get called in for small things or things that they simply can’t do themselves. One of my coworkers also ordered some delivery for the entire staff towards the end of the night, and for a college student who lives on her own working a job that doesn’t pay entirely enough, that was a nice surprise.

If you’ve ever worked as CNA, you know how the medical field lacks them and there is a huge turnover everywhere of CNAs. My job currently is short staffed and being one person short every shift really does make a difference.

This isn’t like any other job where being short staffed isn’t too big a deal. Being one person short makes all the world in my job. My facility has 3 different halls because I work in a rehabilitation center. Usually, there are 2 CNAs per hall. Being short one person means that each hall has one person and that third person is considered a “float” that drifts back and forth helping the other person. Where that becomes problematic is when you get residents up and lay residents down. Before and after each meal, you need to change their attends. Depending on their size, you may need two people. If you don’t have that other person, you can’t change them because then you put yourself and the resident at risk. Stress one.

Most of the residents in my facility need either a sit-to-stand to get up or a hoyer. For those of you how don’t know what either of those machines are, a sit-to-stand is for those who can stand, but can’t do it on their own or need help doing so. It has this “harness” that wraps around the back and clips in front. There are two straps that go underneath their arms (to support them as they are up) and it hooks onto the machine. Their feet go onto this platform and when the machine rises, they are able to stand up. A hoyer is for those who cannot stand at all. In a way, it looks like a medical hammock. The “harness” lays underneath the back and there are 4-6 straps that are attached. These straps are hooked onto the machine and when the resident is lifted, the only thing not secured into the harness are their feet. The problem with this is that these machines need 2 people to use. If you only have one person, again, you put yourself and the resident at risk for injury. Having 3 people to share between halls becomes problematic because you can’t get people up or lay them down quickly and it takes a lot longer to get the job done. Stress two.

Your hours are going to suck. Usually, CNAs have a four on two off type of schedule, meaning you work for four days and have two off plus extra shifts available in between. You’ll want to pick up those shifts. Working in medical facilities mean that they are 24 hour and there are shifts around the clock. They are typically divided as days (6a-2p), evenings (2p-10p), and the graveyard shifts (10p-6a). I work evenings. Now, maintaining a social life with this type of schedule is difficult because most of my friends work days and lining up schedules can be a pain. Now, that really isn’t a problem, it’s a caution in case you do decide to become a CNA. Pick your shifts carefully.

Though this job can be difficult and sometimes you want to cry, it really is one of the best jobs I have ever had. You form such close relationships to most of the residents you work with and that makes it all the more worth while.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton