Christmas Day at Work
Posted by Patti on December 26th, 2004 / Print This Post
I worked Christmas day and it always makes me sad-to see those residents who get no visitors, no gifts, nothing. Its a time of year that almost everyone looks forward to. Family, friends, good food, happy kids…the music of the season, the Church services that many attend. Not for the average nursing home resident.
I work with kids and young adults, and trust me, it’s no different with them than it is with the elderly. Our census usually hovers around 14 (on a 15 bed unit), but Christmas day the census was 8. Not too bad. The few who stayed with us had no visitors, no phone calls, no gifts, nothing. These are kids-and some young adults aged 20-28…
The facility did buy presents for those who were to be with us on Chistmas day. SO at least they got something. The activity staff didn’t work, no religious services or people visited, no fancy meal. I was pretty disappointed.
How was Christmas day for those of you who worked?
December 27th, 2004 at 8:41 pm
I worked Christmas as well. At our LTC Facility we had a few groups come in and sing carols. At lunch dietary served the Traditional Turkey/Dressing. Quite a few of our Residents had family come and visit. We are a 118 bed Facility. The staff is great with our Residents on Holidays that have no family.
December 27th, 2004 at 9:55 pm
Thats good to hear. I work at an AL on a per diem basis, along with my w/e job. The AL went all out: Santa came in with gifts for all; fancy meals, movies, sing a longs, activities galore.
December 30th, 2004 at 2:23 pm
Patti,
I’m currently a day care provider. I have been taking college classes and would love to become a nurse. I know this will take a long time, concerning I still work full time. The certified nursing assistant class is a prerequiste for nursing. I have a question for you. What would be the highest pay I could receive working as an nursing assistant for a home health care facility?
Thanks,
December 30th, 2004 at 8:17 pm
Debbie, it depends a lot on where you live. Home health aides in my area make around 11.00/hr-but in other states they make as little as 8.00, and as much as 14.00. I live in New Hampshire.
Good luck with your nursing education. Its cool that being a CNA is a req. for the nursing program. Kudows to the school that you will be attending! :)