Re: DCA

I disagree with this analysis from the direct care workers website you cited:

"Inadequate supervision: Training is only as useful as the supervision that follows it. If paraprofessionals are not carefully supervised and supported to deliver the quality of care they learned in a good training program, then they lose the competencies they have developed. Good supervision, too, is a skill that must be learned and reinforced. In nursing homes and home care, frontline supervisors are also poorly trained and reimbursed. Their turnover rates are also high, thus impeding the ability of paraprofessionals to do their best work."

I think we need less bosses overlooking our shoulders and second guessing us at every turn. Part of what makes this job unbearable are the supervisors, particularly the nurses. The whole purpose of training is to allow us to work independent of supervision. Conversely, while training should be stepped up, dogging supervisors need to lighten up, or what is the need for training?

It is often said that we work under the licence of a nurse. From what I have seen that is no longer the case. When the CNA messes up that CNA is punished, not the nurse. That means our training more than ever needs to be in depth and comprehensive. It is hoped by more than a few that our title be someday changed from CNA to CNT or certified nursing technician. We should be given respect and voice in the delivery of care, because it is also our butt on the line now.