A Jaw-Dropping CNA Experience: Standing up for the Elderly and Paying the Price

As a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), every shift brings its fair share of difficult moments. It can be challenging to witness the subtle changes in patient behavior that might indicate a serious health issue. One such incident from my early days as a CNA was particularly jaw-dropping.

A Troubling Early Morning Experience

One early morning, around 6 AM, I was working my regular shift in a bustling nursing home. My patient, usually a sweet and composed individual, suddenly appeared very peculiar. She was flushed and acting strangely. I believe it's crucial for caregivers to trust their instincts, and in that moment, my intuition told me something was wrong.

I immediately reported her unusual behavior to my assigned nurse, requesting a thermometer to check her temperature. Unfortunately, the response I got was that her nurse would handle the situation herself. While this seemed concerning, I was instructed to go for lunch.

During my lunch break, I came back to the ward to find my patient in an even worse state. She was flushed, disoriented, and babbling incoherently. I checked with her nurse again, but she insisted my patient was fine and could return to work. However, as a competent and caring CNA, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously off.

Finding a Caring Nurse

Determined to get answers, I approached another nurse in a different ward. With my patient's safety in mind, I asked her to check my patient. The urgency in my voice was not just because of the situation, but also because of the stress of the entire ordeal. Within minutes, the nurse requested the ward nurses to bring ice bags and directed me where to place them to bring down the patient's fever, which was over 104°F.

The medical team quickly responded, and my patient's condition improved, though she was later admitted to the emergency room. Miraculously, she made it through the night and recovered after a week of intense medical care.

The Harsh Truth and the Aftermath

While the outcome was positive, the aftermath was far from that. I was removed from caring for my patient to ensure I wasn't responsible for her condition. I was treated like garbage by my colleagues for reporting a potential life-threatening issue. The nurse who initially dismissed my concerns was not held accountable for her negligence.

The experience taught me a invaluable lesson about patient advocacy. It's our duty as CNA to stand up for the elderly and ensure their well-being, even if it comes at a cost. While the other nurse's willingness to listen to my concerns did provide a glimmer of hope, the overall experience was one of frustration and mistreatment.

Conclusion

As a Certified Nursing Assistant, one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects is advocating for the elderly. Moments like these highlight the importance of trust, intuition, and the willingness to speak up for those who cannot do so for themselves. While dealing with such incidents can be emotionally taxing, the ultimate goal is always to ensure the best possible care for every patient.

Keywords: elderly care, patient advocacy, nursing assistant