Should I Rock the Boat?
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
United States
April 27, 2016 6:28am CST
Yesterday we had a 90 minute meeting at work. Long compared to other meetings that usually last only 45 minutes.
We were told that we can no longer bring our cell phones into a client's home. We need to leave them in our car. If there is an emergency situation whomever is trying to reach us needs to call the office and they will in turn call us. Well, if the client doesn't have a phone or is on the phone when they call, how the hell will that happen? I feel it is treating us like children that they demand we not carry our cell phones with us. I do understand and often hear from clients that workers will be on there phone constantly texting or talking on the phone. So for the few who do this we all are suffering the consequences.
We were told that we cannot bring food or other items to the client. I often bake goodies and bring my clients a few. Many cannot bake or get homemade goods. I bring them a treat. I also have been known to bake a cake in celebration of their birthdays. Can't do that either. Often times I will tell them of a meal I am preparing at home and they will say, "If there are leftovers, think of me!", and I do bring them a small portion of whatever I have made. That too can no longer happen. No cards or little gifts on their birthdays or at Christmas.
This goes against who I am. I am a caring, giving, considerate, and compassionate person. Many of these people would not get a single card, gift or even a cake on a holiday or birthday. It makes me angry that I am told that I cannot continue to do this for any of my clients.
So, do I stop the practice entirely, or go against the rules? Should I rock the boat?
17 people like this
20 responses
@beaniefanatic13 (5076)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
27 Apr 16
It sounds like they have received complaints on the cellphone issue. I see this a lot, people suppose to be working with one client and the phone rings and they answer their cell. It is very rude and I feel that technology today has made for a very rude society that doesn't know how to relate to people any more. As for the treats I can't imagine how they would know unless someone were to call and I would doubt that they would call to complain so maybe to say how awesome you are for having thought of another on a special day. I think I would be fired too, people like you who think about the feelings of others, is a special kind of person. I hope that you can continue this or maybe start a private business of your own. You obviously have a good re pore with your clients, it isn't unheard of to start up your own business and bring current clients with you. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide, but you shouldn't try and change who you are.
4 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@beaniefanatic13 thank you. I would love to be able to start my own business and take the clients with me. Unfortunately they are on programs that are paid for by their insurances. They would not be able to afford to pay me privately.
I do know that people abuse the cell phones. I hear about it all the time from other clients that I see occasionally when someone is out sick or on vacation. However, it should be noted who is getting the complaints and go from there. I do not abuse the use of my phone.
3 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I plan on doing for those that I feel need help. If they can't understand that they can stuff it. Regarding the cell phone, if I am in a home where they only have a cell phone and it is locked, what can I do in an emergency? Run to my car. Wow.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@Juliaacv I am going to bring it up with the supervisor. Most of the clients I have also only have a cell phone and keep it locked when not in use.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48591)
• Canada
27 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly That should be a legitimate health and safety concern that the employer should want to discuss. I cannot understand that aspect of it.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I would do it anyway quietly and be prepared to look for a new job if things don't change. I would not go in anywhere without a cell phone what if the client has an emergency or if there is danger. Nope, I would bring my phone and I think it is probably illegal to ask you not to carry one.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
That is the main reason I would carry my phone. Most of the people have cell phones, but they are locked. How can I make an emergency call and attend to that person if my phone is in my car? What if (God forbid) one of them turned on me and I had to lock myself in a room to avoid attack and I had no phone to use to call for help? Or if there were any other emergency. Yeah, my phone stays close to me.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@BelleStarr the nurses all carry a cell phone. I do know that there are a few pca's and lna's that misuse their phones. I am not one of them.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly I would never ever go in without mine!! My son works for Interim Healthcare he is a nurse and I know that he always carries his.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I do not bring my purse into most of the homes I visit. I keep my phone in my pocket on vibrate. If they really have a problem with it, they can fire me for all I care.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
27 Apr 16
could you bring ingredients and make the treats on site? Turn your cell on to vibrate, and just "forget" it's in your purse. As for cards, take markers and paper and again, make something on site.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I can't bring the ingredients to their homes. My food is my food, their food is theirs.
I keep my cell phone in my pocket on vibrate. If I get a call regarding my mother I want to be available to get it.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@Jessicalynnt I agree. Guess I'll take my chances. If they want to fire me over something so petty, then so beit.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
28 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly that stinks
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I do indeed love to share with others.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@Lucky15 It really isn't easy.
2 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly Good. Just because someone is "boss" doesn't mean they always know what is best.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I let them know at the meeting that I didn't like it. She knows I am one that speaks my mind. Not everyone does in our workplace. I however will speak up when appropriate.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@peavey they "think" they do. I had my doubts about this company when they took us over. I really am having second thoughts about my employment with them.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I am one that follows more rules than the next. These seem rather petty.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@Marcyaz I will just do what I do on the sly.
1 person likes this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly
Yes they do seem petty and not in the best interest of the client.
1 person likes this
@Blondie2222 (28611)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I'm sure they are just looking out for their clients and making sure they are being taken care of. Maybe some may have an allergy and that's why they don't want food or anything brought to them. As for cell phone use i can understand that some people abuse that rules on the job. We are not aloud to have ours at work either only on break etc. I hope whatever decision you make is the best one
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I never abuse my phone use. I keep it for emergencies. Such an emergency can arise in a client's home and if I don't have a phone handy then what?
They don't want the client's to think we are there for anything other than doing our jobs.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I believe that the personal touch is important as well.
2 people like this
@LdeL0318 (6402)
• Philippines
27 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly yeah, but it's still the company's rule that would matter.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@LdeL0318 guess I'll have to take my chances. There are circumstances where one needs to have a phone available.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
29 Apr 16
They said that people have been abusing the cell phone use. Also, they say bringing food to a client crosses the line of professionalism. Whatever.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
29 Apr 16
@jstory07 they think differently. Won't stop me from bringing a goodie to them.
@jstory07 (134678)
• Roseburg, Oregon
29 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly that still sounds wrong to me. That is caring about them as a person to give them a birthday cake etc.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21736)
• Canada
27 Apr 16
A tough situation. I'd toe the line as far as cell phones are concerned. How long are you in the clients home? Cards, small gifts....no one else's business. A special treat, shouldn't be an issue.
One of our care givers told us (she wasn't allowed to tell us) if she meets us in public she is to ignore us unless we approach her and say hello first...then it should just be a hello, nice weather type comment. I randomly say hello to strangers....what's the big deal if our worker smiles and greets us?
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
Oh if I were told not to speak to someone I would be livid. How can they say whether or not you should speak to someone? I understand the client confidentiality thing, but that is above and beyond.
1 person likes this
@cintol (11261)
• United States
27 Apr 16
What do you do for this line of work? It sounds like a lot of what I do. I am a Visiting Angel and I like to bring my clients flowers for holidays or birthdays, cakes and things as well. I also carry my cell on vibrate in my pocket because I have had the office call me while I am there for other jobs to do. Doesn't sound fair, I would ask them WHY?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@cintol Some have no family at all, or friends for that matter. Sad.
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I am a personal care attendant for our local VNA. I realize that others have abused the use of their phones by playing games, texting, and talking on the phone more than they are doing their assigned duties. I rarely get a text or phone call. If I do, I either ignore it or respond with a quick response.
I like to bring my client's little things too. I can't even bring a couple of cookies anymore.
1 person likes this
@cintol (11261)
• United States
27 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly Thats not fair, they love those little treats when you bring them in. A lot of mine don't get things like that from family.
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I love your spirit. These new rules would upset me, too, because I'd tend to be a lot like you. What I would do, personally, is wait a little while. I would shut my phone off but have it on me, just in case. I wouldn't bring any goodies to anyone for a little while, just to see if things calm down a bit. And then I'd bring little things to my favorite clients, just because. And hope I didn't lose my job over it, although I can't imagine anyone reporting you for being nice! good luck! And thanks for being so nice to those people who really need some charity in their lives!
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
Thank you Claudia. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Funny though the staff at the office found need to call me while at a client's house. Both were important calls. One call I had to make because the client needed to see her nurse.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
29 Apr 16
@CRK109 so very true. I am able to make an evaluation of a client and decide what course of action to take upon the first visit with them.
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
29 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly That proves how ridiculous they are being with some of their rules. We all learn in life that everyone can't be put into a box. Most people need to be treated as individuals. Some need a little pampering and others need some tough love. One size fits all usually does not.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
27 Apr 16
What a shame that you have to refrain from being kind and generous .. considerate and compassionate ..
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
It bothers me deep inside not to be able to do for so many. It is what I have done for years.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
29 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly I can understand you ..
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
The company that owned our company didn't have a problem with this. This company seems to be the opposite.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326164)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Apr 16
This seems really over-the-top. I guess it is aimed at stopping people getting too close to the clients and maybe clients changing their wills or something. But they could easily make guidelines regarding taking clients gifts of a few biscuits or whatever. I think it is very unfair. It's obvious those making the rules aren't doing the caring.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
27 Apr 16
They said it crosses the line of professionalism. Um okay. What about being human?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@JudyEv sadly, they were once in our shoes too. They moved up to administrative positions and now call the shots.
@JudyEv (326164)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly Exactly - bureaucrats running the show without any idea of being kind and human.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
They said it crosses the line of professionalism. Even when I worked in an office setting I baked goodies to set out for the clients, staff, etc.
@creativeintelligene (133)
•
28 Apr 16
You have to Rebel!......Break these silly rules. Sharing is caring!....Enjoy what you do. Just dont mind what happens. Thats all.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I am not concerned about the outcome. I will not stop being a compassionate caregiver.
@creativeintelligene (133)
•
28 Apr 16
@ElusiveButterfly Good. You are very courageous. We have always follow our heart and conscience.
1 person likes this
