Every profession has its bad apples and certified nursing assistants are no different. Documentation of abuse is scattered throughout many clinics, hospitals and nursing homes and it gives the whole profession a bad name, in large part because the medical community and the wider community are often at odds when it comes to things like privacy, vulnerable peoples and the many other things which happen in medicine. In the case of certified nursing assistants, assistants are given access to a range of private, personal information and have to deal with people at their most vulnerable, so of abuse tends to be seen as even more heinous. There are a few different kinds of abuse and it’s very important to watch for them and report them so that you protect the rights of your patients.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is sneakier than you might think; it can be hard to witness and unless bruises are left behind, there is little evidence. Physical abuse can range from pinching, poking and pushing to hitting, shoving, and even striking a patient with an object. Physical abuse often comes about when the nursing assistant is frustrated, stressed, angry, or feeling underappreciated and overwhelmed and instead of handling it properly, takes it out on a patient. Common complaints come from elderly patients being abused for soiling themselves. It is very important to learn how to control your emotions and have a safe place to vent so that your patients never become your inadvertent sounding board and punching bag.
Sexual Abuse
Sadly, sexual abuse is relatively
common, particularly in nursing homes and with patients who need a lot more help. It’s more often seen with male nursing assistants and female patients, but any form of sexual abuse between any gender is still abuse. Bathing is most commonly the time for abuse when a patient is naked and vulnerable, but any time can be made right. Sexual abuse ranges from uncomfortable touching, heavy petting, heavy flirtation all the way to outright rape. Supervisors often make surprise visits on CNAs to make sure that nothing untoward is happening.
Emotional Abuse
Finally, mental and emotional abuse are commonly seen with patients. This kind of abuse can range from simple teasing and insulting all the way to bullying and degradation of the patient. Emotional and mental abuse is one of the hardest to catch because the victim has a hard time talking about it and there is absolutely no evidence of it until it’s too late. The best way to deal with patients who might be emotionally abused is to be very compassionate, understanding, and try to figure out who might be abusing the person you’re dealing with. Beyond that, keep your eyes peeled for signs of depression or frustration and make sure to listen when a patient talks to you.
Abuse is an unfortunate part of many facilities; CNAs who are guilty of abuse often do it because they are frustrated, angry, depressed, feel that they deserve better or they just want to have power over someone else. It’s important to support each other, keep an eye on each other and the patients, and report abuse to your supervisor if you find it. That way, you can help keep your facility safe and as welcoming to patients as possible.
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