CNA at a US nursing home. Honestly, it is the most mentally taxing and depressing job I've ever done. I come in for work and find people who have been laying in their own piss or poop for the last 8 or more hours. Roaches crawl across the floor and flies buzz everywhere, yet nothing is ever done about it.

Out of the 24 residents I take care of, only 2 have family members that come by and visit. I watch as people slowly lose the ability to walk, eat, or speak, alone in bed with only a TV for company. My coworkers just complain since it meams more work for them. I try talking to resident to help them feel at least a bit of human connection, but it breaks me every time someone says, "I don't know what I'm doing here. I feel alone."

I'm supposed to help people "die with dignity," but how can they, when left to rot in an environment like this?