1 Comments Posted by post penn, pre norristown

wrote:
I worked at Pennhurst, and trust me the patient ratio was far worse. The state had its protocol that stated how many aides to patients, but we were far understaffed. I started working there in the 70's as an Aide and the starting pay was only just above $4 an hour!! It was extremely hard to have the staff, but we made the best we could.

The policy's have changed and now you need to have Dr's to do everything, there really is no more protocol's. Have you ever tried to get a Dr to come in at 4am to write an order, or even to answer a page to get a verbal order? I was laid off from Pennhurst, and reassigned to Norristown State Hospital. The staff ratio is still extremely bad 2/36 normally. You are not allowed to restrain patients even if hurting themself, you are not able to do many things that are for HELP. It is a horrible set up, and it is hard to get this information out. The patients do know who is good and who is not, and their attitude reflex that. I know that I have done the best job ever and my patients love me in every manor, I wish the state would allow us to work with them more and provide that safe feeling we all deserve.

BY THE WAY, THE STARTING SALARY FOR AN AIDE IS $11.50 PER HOUR.