A newer blog is up and running, celebrating the work of CNA’s, particularly those who work in Hospice and Nursing Homes.

They go by several names. During my hospice volunteer rounds in Detroit, I tend to say “nurse aide,” maybe because it’s older and easier to pronounce. But no matter what they are called, they are called often, sometimes too often when there’s a staff shortage. They are generally first responders meeting patients’ needs. Patients frequently think of them first when they evaluate their nursing home experience.

These are two comments I have heard nurse aides express to me about their jobs:

1) “I love working here. It’s not perfect, but we try to work as a team. I treat my patients like they are my family. For some of them, I’m the only one they can really talk to about their true feelings. I know what I do matters.”

2) “This place is depressing. I usually have more patients than I’m supposed to, and nothing I do is enough. It’s low pay with high pressure, but I need the job. It’s not right the way nurse aides and patients are treated here. When I try to make suggestions, nobody listens. I’m really frustrated.”

Well spoken points- each representing an attitude many CNA’s hold. Whether your glass is half empty or half full, there is something for everyone at Frances Shani Parker’s site. Go check it out.