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Original poster

My last 6 months as a care assistant has broke me

17 replies

Vivana · 30/01/2021 18:10

I've been signed of my work now due to stress and anxiety. What I've seen and had to do has impacted me greatly.
I've nursed dying covid residents and nursed some to get better. I still see there faces of where they have been so ill.
Wearing full ppe for 12 hour shifts has made my skin sore and can't do it anymore.
Being short staffed and running around for 12 hours with no breaks all for minimum wage.
Constant covid tests every week even having to go in on my days off.
Getting called in on my days off as short staffed.

J can't go back to it now and just cry all the time. I've been diagnosed with ptsd to.

OP posts:
MoodyMarshall · 30/01/2021 18:13

I want to say thank you, OP Thanks thank you for doing the toughest job. I know it's not enough just to hear people on the internet say it but I am so grateful, as are all the people and families you work with. I am so sorry this has broken you, please take the time you need to try to get better.

Mindymomo · 30/01/2021 18:47

We can only imagine what you have been through and I’m so sorry that you have had to deal with this, it must be soul destroying. Care Assistants and Care Home employees are every bit as important as NHS staff. Please take care and take time to recover.

MiniTheMinx · 30/01/2021 18:47

Now is the time to put yourself first. That probably feels odd when you are a carer, you spend all your time putting other people first. But you absolutely deserve time to look after yourself.

Are you able to get signed off at least on SSP?

Crampon · 30/01/2021 18:49

Flowers You've really done your bit to help in this pandemic, I'm sorry you're suffering as a result.

Fuckadoodledoooo · 30/01/2021 19:30

I'm so sorry.

This is why I'm not going back to my care job. I left after having my baby in August. It's thankless at the best of times x

Incyra · 30/01/2021 19:58

I've not been a care assistant for very long but its the toughest job I have ever done and on the lowest wage. I wasn't there for first wave but I know my colleagues had a hard time. Covid swept through and they has no doctors of medical support. I'm sorry OP you are going through this. Sending you love xx

HelloThereMeHearties · 30/01/2021 20:02

That sounds so tough Flowers Thank you for all you have done, I'm sure that your care greatly helped people in their hour of need.

It sounds like you do need some time to recover, mentally, emotionally and physically.

DirtyDancing · 30/01/2021 20:26

So much respect and gratitude for care workers Flowers

purpleme12 · 30/01/2021 20:28

Gosh I didn't know health care assistants were paid so little?
And it sounds like such an important job
Not right at all
I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you
I hope you can take the time to rest and get better x

MsSquishy · 30/01/2021 20:28

I can’t imagine what it must be like. Thank you Flowers

Original poster
Vivana · 30/01/2021 23:06

Thanks everyone. I'll get better but I know I can't go back to that but still want to carry on caring. I might try either community or adults with learning difficulties as that's close to my heart to.

OP posts:
Original poster
Vivana · 30/01/2021 23:07

What got me the most is the attitude of the managers. Its like they gave up and we have had no support. Never a thank you or how are you doing.

OP posts:
GoldenZigZag · 30/01/2021 23:13

I hope you know how deeply and sincerely you are appreciated by people like me. My grandma has been shown so much dignity and care during this pandemic that it has reduced me and my family to tears on more than one occasion - truly humbling stuff, you are the best of us OP, don't ever forget it.

starbrightstarlight8888 · 30/01/2021 23:16

Op trust me, you are appreciated more than you'll ever know.

My grandad has had care assistants coming in to him for a while now and they are absolute angels. You all deserve to be paid so much more.

Thank you for doing that job for vulnerable people.

THANK YOU.

Thefamousfivegetcovid · 30/01/2021 23:41

Well I think you're amazing. I really take my hat off to you. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself now - you matter too. Thank you for all that very hard work, I can't imagine what it was like for you.

Justpassingtime1 · 31/01/2021 06:16

The attitude of the Management towards the staff really stinks.
I have heard this from various people I know who work/have worked in them.
Instead of sorting the problem of staff shortages and wages
once and for all they continue on their own sweet way
They work people to the ground expecting miracles when they know it
is impossible. They then leave and they still have a staff shortage.
I think this is because they are run as businesses rather than actual
care places .

PTH20 · 31/01/2021 06:45

You have to be strong and resilient to work in healthcare - it really isn’t for everyone. Many don’t understand its physical and emotional strain. Take care of yourself

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