What has Changed?

I first became a State Registered Nursing Aide (SRNA/CNA) in 2018 right after I turned 16. I have worked as an aide for two full years in geriatrics. I have been at my current facility since June 2019. Working during a pandemic has not been easy. My facility has had to increase security as well as change our routines with little to no notice. When I begin my shift I am to immediately record my name, my temperature, and the shift I am working. Once I have done that I go to the side of my facility that I am working and I am not to go back to the other side. Once I get to my hall I put on a mask and wash my hands. To help with the shortage of supplies we are allowed only one mask a day unless it gets soiled. When we have a meal we no longer take residents to the dining hall. Instead, we only take those who need to be fed by the nurse's stations and keep a good distance between each resident. Residents are no longer allowed to socialize due to the rise in cases and the amount of staff going in and out. Our facility is currently preparing for any chance of SAR-COVID-19 getting into the building. We have designated one hall for anyone who has been exposed or becomes a positive case. If a positive case gets into the facility only certain staff will work on that hall and nowhere else in the building and are required to enter the building in those halls only. 

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To protect staff and residents no one other than essential staff is allowed in the building. EMT is not allowed to enter any more than the entrance. If someone needs to leave due to illness we must take their bed to the door and exchange there. Dietary staff is no longer allowed to bring the trays down the halls. Nursing staff must retrieve the trays from the dining room and bring them to the residents. Everyday protocols and routines change based on staff needs and what the CDC says. We do our best to keep our residents safe as well as all staff.