Body Language

Yesterday I was standing and talking to my husband with my hands on my hips.  It wasn't a hands on hips type of conversation, that was just how I was standing.

"Don't stand like that.  It makes you look aggressive."

Funny, but I think about this at work all the time.  For some reason, arms akimbo is my default.  I catch myself standing that way constantly.  My first reaction is to put my hands behind my back when I notice it.

The other day Mrs. A asked me if I stood with my hands folded behind my back to keep myself out of trouble.

"That's exactly right," I told her.

Residents notice.  Even if they aren't able to get the words out, they can tell how you are feeling by the way you stand when you're working with them.  Arms akimbo can make them feel like you are being bossy or are in a hurry.  Arms crossed is defensive and makes them feel like you aren't listening or you don't care.  Keeping your arms relaxed at your sides when talking to them shows that you're listening and are willing to do what it takes to help them.  If they feel comfortable, they are less likely to get upset or angry and that automatically makes the day go smoother.

Dating Coworkers

I'm absolutely against coworkers dating.  And, yes, I am a hypocrite because I have worked at several jobs with my husband over the years.  I'm still against it.

This is coming up because we have a boomerang CNA who likes to date coworkers.  Who likes to live with coworkers.  And then, when the break up happens, it rocks the nursing center.  People quit, people take sides, people try to run other people off.  It's stupid, disruptive, and frustrating.  Can you imagine what the resident's think?

I could tell you, but you'd be surprised at how raunchy our elders can be.  Let's just say that whatever you just thought about it, they've already thought a hundred times before.  And their executive function is not what it used to be, so some of them just say it.  Loud.  Because they can't hear.  But a lot of other folks can.

If you simply must date a coworker, you should conduct your relationship so no one else you work with knows about it.  I worked with a couple for nearly a year before I knew they were a couple.  Even after I knew, they didn't do anything at work that indicated they were living together.  They kept their work and their home lives separate.  As it should be.

Regardless of that one good example, I've seen, oh, probably five couples break up since I started working as a CNA.  It's not good for anyone.  It hurts the residents, the rest of the staff, and the business itself.  Better to avoid it altogether.  It's a big world out there.  Find someone else to date.

Thoughts

• Resident's with dementia are like the weather in Chicago.  If you don't like it, wait a minute, it'll change.
• One eight hour shift working the floor nets me about 14000 steps according to my pedometer.  Conversely, giving 25 people meds for one shift gets me about 5000 steps, 35 people, 7500.
• The only right answer to "Are you busy?" is "What can I do for you?"
• Raising children is good training for being a CNA.  The goals are the same.  Keep them warm, clean, dry, fed, and don't let them knock the snot out of each other.

"Selling Buicks" and Other Not So Fun Body Functions

So, we've got some kind of stomach bug making it's way around work, staff and residents included.  It's just a twenty-four hour thing, but I've been "better" for five days now and I still have waves of nausea now and then.

For the record, I worked through it.  Amazing what enough Dramamine and Immodium will do for you.  Probably why I'm still not over it.  But, everyone got taken care of Sunday and the rest of my week and no one had to cover for me.

I realize I am opening up the "working sick" can of worms again.  If we had enough help, I probably would have stayed home.  Without me there, the facility wouldn't have had the legally required amount of staff.  And, I promise you, NO ONE will cover for you on a Sunday.  So, there's probably someone who is sick just because I carried that pathogen into their room, but the rest of the facility is better off because I was there.

Rock.  Hard place.  I chose the rock.

Got Mentioned in a Post

20 Useful Online Tutorials for Nursing Assistants

Nursing Assistant Guides mentioned this blog in the above post.  I don't have time to read more today, but it looks like a good site and I'm adding it to my "Good Stuff" list for perusal on my days off.

Put THAT in Your Care Plan (NSFW)

"Mrs. A, I have your vaginal cream," the nurse said as she entered the room.

"Oh, you have cream for my cockroach?" Mrs. A asked.

(I had to stop breathing here so I wouldn't start laughing.)

"Your cockroach?" asked Nurse B.

"Yeah.  You know.  My hoo-ha," she said, waving vaguely that direction.

"It's not going to hiss at me, is it?"

"No.  It won't even bite."

***

How does that go in the care plan?

"Mrs. A refers to her vagina as her 'cockroach'.  All staff may refer to it in this way as well."

Seriously.

Goodnight Sugar

(My friend's been out of the hospital for a few days now.  She made it up to work to get her check without oxygen the other day, so she feels she's improving.  If the doctor releases her, she'll be back to work on Wednesday, at least part time, I'd guess.)

***

"Mrs. A, do you need your eye drops tonight?"

"No, my eyes are feeling fine.  All I need is some goodnight sugar and I'll be ready to sleep."

So I closed my drawers and locked my cart and went to give her a hug and a kiss.

***

There aren't many jobs out there where hugs, kisses and laughter are desirable.  You can't get this stuff working at McDonald's or in an office cubicle.  They might pay more in cash, but they can't touch it in emotional dividends.