1) Let's show Kevin how a topic on families doesn't have to be all negative and demeaning.
Well not ALL negative but even though I stayed out of the entire fracas, I'm pretty much on his side.
2) We all deal with families, some are wonderful and others leave us feeling like the worst people on the planet. How does this happen?
The family comes in not trusting doctors, nurses, the hospital, or much of anyone. They all KNOW that their family member will not get good care unless we're watched 24/7.
3) Do some families expect us to move mountains for their loved one irregardless of the needs of other residents?
You better believe it!
4) What can we, the nurses and the facility do to correct this? And does it need to be corrected?
Not much. You don't meet their demands, they go to management.
5) Have you ever dreaded working with a resident- because of his/her family?
Absolutely yes..............
6) Do we think the CNA plays an important role in "customer care" as in taking care of the family AS well as the resident?? LOL.
Could be, with adequate staffing. But as it stands, no.
7) What thoughts do we have about family? Are they important? How can an aide make or break the experiences of families?
Of course the family is important. But they are often PITA to the staff. The only way an aide can make or break the experience is to give in to their demands.
8) Does your facility do anything unique or different when a new admission comes?--- that would cause families to begin to trust us with their loved ones?
Not that I'm aware of.
Yes, I'm a cynic too and the nurses in the hospital were far more cynical than myself. There wasn't a day that went by without a story from at least 1 nurse about the 'psycho' family member.
Sorry, but that was my experience, and the experience of many nurses in the hospital. The nurses that did 'contain' bad situations were the ones that had more patience than God on the job, but went home and abused their spouses from the frustration of being run over all day.