The Lesson Irene Taught Me

In our classes prior to certification as a CNA, we are told that we should be careful of what we say in front of our residents, because they are often more aware than we give them credit for. This lesson was brought home to me by Irene.

I had been caring for Irene for several months, and she was always in what I would describe as a semi-comatose state. On rare occasions, however she would rouse a bit and speak a few words. Regardless of her state of alertness, I introduced myself and wished her a good morning each day when I went in to do her care. As I took care of her I would carry on a pretty one-sided conversation, telling her about the day's weather and the scheduled activities, and whatever else came to mind while I was with her.

One morning I was feeding another resident on the unit, and Irene was sleeping in her recliner nearby. Our nurse practitioner, Lynn, approached Irene, and after introducing herself, told her she would like to examine her. She was stunned when Irene answered her and told her that she had already been examined that day. (She had never heard Irene speak before.) She then asked who had examined her. Irene thought for a moment before replying, "Maybe it was just the aide getting me up." Lynn looked over at me, and then turned back to Irene and asked her if she knew what her aide's name was. To which Irene replied, "I should. She tells me her name every time she comes in." Lynn then asked what her aide's name was. Irene chuckled a bit, and then said, "Isn't that funny! I can't remember her name right now. But you know her. She's the one with the red hair! She never stops talking for a minute!"

I learned a valuable lesson that day. And I made sure to share that experience with the other CNAs on the unit. I am always very careful of what I say in front of one of the residents now.

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