May 2nd: Something I'm Really Good At.

It may seem kind of lame, But I'm actually a really good CNA.

Being a CNA is difficult.

You can't be squimish. I wipe old people's bums for a living, so poop and bodily fluids can't, and truthfully don't make me sick.
You have to have the ability to get along with virtually anyone. Because you have to get along with all of the residents, and coworkers.
You have to understand the gentle balance of sympathy, and empathy.
You have to understand that the elderly aren't sad or grumpy with you. They are just lonely, and sometimes feel forgotten.
You have to remind yourself everyday that you wouldn't want to be doing anything else.


I was laughing with a coworker the other day, because we were talking about briefs, and the briefs that we prefer that the residents use. It occurred to me. I actually have a favorite brief, and a least favorite brief.



Exhibit A) Favorite brief:

These briefs are the best. They are 12 hour briefs, and so their absorbency power is amazing. It pulls the liquid away from the body, and allows for a much longer wearing time. Which in the end is more affordable for the resident.


Exhibit B) The most common brief:

Almost all of the residents use these briefs. They are not as expensive, and absorb pretty well. They're kind of a pain in the butt to put on when a resident is laying down, but it also gives the resident more dignity, as it is more like underwear, and less of a "diaper".


Exhibit C) The briefs I hate:

When I find a resident in this, I know it's going to be a long day. These briefs are awful. The exterior is made out of this very thin plastic material, and the tapes are super strong. That being said, the side tapes tear the plastic, and all of the gel that is in the part of the brief that does the absorbing work gets everywhere. And it's a pain in the ass to get all those stupid little beads. Also, they don't hold very much liquid, so you have to change residents much more frequently, (Checking them every 45 minutes instead of every hour and a half), and they sag, so you can tell residents are actually wearing a brief.




I absolutely love being a CNA. It's one of the most rewarding jobs out there.