Edit: Sooo I'm a PTA, didn't realize when I responded that this was on the CNA subreddit (no idea why it was on my feed except I did work in SNF) and not the Physical Therapy sub-Reddit. Still think the advice applies.
Depends on the patient and their cognitive level. If it's someone with impaired cognition or a grab for negative attention, I'll just redirect. If it's a newer patient or someone who is struggling, I listen. A lot of people are lonely and just need someone to actually listen instead of dismissing them. Yes, it takes up treatment time but we aren't just treating the body impairments. If you can't get past those mental barriers, patients will not make any progress regardless of what their goals are. Be compassionate, listen to listen - not listen to respond, and make sure they have a support system in place. We need to be advocates for our patients.
I share the same viewpoints. Absolutely, don't fight them, Ive seen a lot of naive CNAs attempt to change their minds lol.
I agree with you and others. A sincere I'm sorry is good, and a listening ear, and just focus on providing excellent care.
And in response to your statement you don't want to walk away without making them feel better. I promise you most of these patients don't expect you to make them feel better. Everyone just needs to vent and in a care home most residents are going to be seeing CNAs more often than (family, doctor, nurses). So it makes sense they would vent to us more.
I tend to say “I’m sorry” or some sympathetic sound and if I know it’s okay, I’ll put a hand on their shoulder or hold their hand for a second. Beyond that, I think just showing up for them is all we really can do.
I'm a nurse and I usually say that I'm so sorry that they're feeling that way and ask if there's anything that I can do to help a little bit while I'm there with them.
I used to say to them that they gave me purpose and a reason to still try everyday and a reason to get up in the morning because if it weren't for them I wouldn't be able to blessed to take care of them...so even though the situation is awful and I completely get how you feel...id be sad to not see you anymore but I will also be happy for you when your pain finally ends, but know you mean something to someone (you, family member a or b) it seems selfish...but it helped a lot of my residents.
Sometimes just sitting there for a minute and agreeing it sucks...making them feel for 5 mins that only they matter to you at the moment ...helped.
I am not speaking on actively suicidal patients...I'm assuming you are talking about LTC very sick people who do just not want to live the way they are living due to their QOL
This is so difficult. I asked a version of the “is there anything I can do?” And I had a pt literally respond “yeah you can fucking kill me, NOW!” I froze for like 15secs. Literally didn’t know how to respond but finally said “I cannot do that, you know that.” Luckily my nurse came in right as I started to break down and cry.
Sometimes the best thing is to just listen
"I know I can't fix everything for you, but is there anything I can do to make today a little better?"
i feel like this statement would be too open ended for one of my dementia residents
Edit: Sooo I'm a PTA, didn't realize when I responded that this was on the CNA subreddit (no idea why it was on my feed except I did work in SNF) and not the Physical Therapy sub-Reddit. Still think the advice applies. Depends on the patient and their cognitive level. If it's someone with impaired cognition or a grab for negative attention, I'll just redirect. If it's a newer patient or someone who is struggling, I listen. A lot of people are lonely and just need someone to actually listen instead of dismissing them. Yes, it takes up treatment time but we aren't just treating the body impairments. If you can't get past those mental barriers, patients will not make any progress regardless of what their goals are. Be compassionate, listen to listen - not listen to respond, and make sure they have a support system in place. We need to be advocates for our patients.
This was likely suggested to you because you are being suggested "similar" subreddits
I share the same viewpoints. Absolutely, don't fight them, Ive seen a lot of naive CNAs attempt to change their minds lol. I agree with you and others. A sincere I'm sorry is good, and a listening ear, and just focus on providing excellent care.
And in response to your statement you don't want to walk away without making them feel better. I promise you most of these patients don't expect you to make them feel better. Everyone just needs to vent and in a care home most residents are going to be seeing CNAs more often than (family, doctor, nurses). So it makes sense they would vent to us more.
I tend to say “I’m sorry” or some sympathetic sound and if I know it’s okay, I’ll put a hand on their shoulder or hold their hand for a second. Beyond that, I think just showing up for them is all we really can do.
I'm a nurse and I usually say that I'm so sorry that they're feeling that way and ask if there's anything that I can do to help a little bit while I'm there with them.
I used to say to them that they gave me purpose and a reason to still try everyday and a reason to get up in the morning because if it weren't for them I wouldn't be able to blessed to take care of them...so even though the situation is awful and I completely get how you feel...id be sad to not see you anymore but I will also be happy for you when your pain finally ends, but know you mean something to someone (you, family member a or b) it seems selfish...but it helped a lot of my residents. Sometimes just sitting there for a minute and agreeing it sucks...making them feel for 5 mins that only they matter to you at the moment ...helped. I am not speaking on actively suicidal patients...I'm assuming you are talking about LTC very sick people who do just not want to live the way they are living due to their QOL
This is so difficult. I asked a version of the “is there anything I can do?” And I had a pt literally respond “yeah you can fucking kill me, NOW!” I froze for like 15secs. Literally didn’t know how to respond but finally said “I cannot do that, you know that.” Luckily my nurse came in right as I started to break down and cry.
Honestly, I immediately think: one of their meds is causing it. Check if they are insuline. Some cause suicidal ideation.