Remember each other, those who are served and those who serve.

Image by Kerry Ann Sandsmark

We as nurse's aides have hardships and possible joy everyday. Just because we work a steady aide job does not mean that all things are in order. We work for less pay then all the other medical staff we work with not to mention most maintance, some housekeeping and dietary staff as well. We won't even discuss the sit down jobs as regardless of any pay comparison these ladies and gentleman are off the hook every weekend. Our families are usually without us on major holidays and what seems to be any other time we're needed at home. I know i've been accused a few times by my family of caring for my residents more than them. As we have jobs that are usually in 24 hour facilities our breaks never seem like breaks - doubles, mandated time, calls of  'please help' are constant. Our job is to care for people who can not care for themselves and our goal is to make a better day. 

The idea of making a better day is originally meant for the patients as an aide goal however this idea would benefit us and those we work with if it can be used to help each other thru our shifts as well. Kind words, helping hands, and respect for each other. It would help to first remember that whenever we show up to our jobs we are agreeing to the terms set for that job; pay, hours, responsibilities; and all that that entails. We have agreed to work with the people who are with us and make things better for our residents so long as we are there.

There are ways that we can work together that best serve, including shared decision making and taking part in care plans. The voice of a good aide is powerful and insightful to the possiblities of resident care. As nursing aides are being asked to do more and more - equal to that we need to be listened to in the planning of care for our residents. Aide's incorporate a great deal of the contact hours for people who are cared for and deserve the extra training, explanations of why our organizations run the way they do, and respect for our profession with which no one else would have a job if we didn't do ours.