CNA Chronicles: The Lazy Coworker Who Tested Every Nerve I Had

It’s one thing to work a tough shift, but it’s a whole new level when you’re paired with a CNA who does nothing. From dodging work to disappearing mid-shift, my day with a lazy coworker will leave you laughing, cringing, and saying, “I’ve been there!” Read the full story now!

The Assignment Board Dread

A cartoon of Karen, a young black CNA, looking at the assignment board with a horrified expression while Jasmine stands nearby on her phone, looking unbothered.

Part 1: The Hall Assignment

It started like any other day. I walked into the nursing home, coffee in hand, and checked the assignment board. My heart sank faster than a resident’s dentures in a glass of water—I was paired with Jasmine.

Jasmine wasn’t just lazy; she was legendary for it. Her work ethic was as elusive as Bigfoot, and I knew today was about to test me in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

“Hey, girl!” Jasmine said, scrolling through her phone as I walked onto the hall.

I nodded, trying to keep it cordial, but deep down, I knew I was in for it.

The Honey Bun Break

A cartoon of Jasmine, a black CNA, sitting in the breakroom with her feet up, eating a honey bun while Karen looks frustrated in the doorway.

Part 2: The Disappearing Act

By the time we started our rounds, Jasmine had already pulled her first vanishing act.

“Where’s Jasmine?” I muttered to myself, checking every room.

I found her sitting in the breakroom, feet propped up on a chair, eating a honey bun like she had all the time in the world.

“Jasmine, we have 27 residents to check on!” I said.

She waved me off. “You got it, girl. You’re so good at this stuff.”

Call Light Overload

A cartoon of Karen frantically running down a hallway with a stack of linens and a clipboard, while call lights flash in every room.

Part 3: The Call Light Chaos

While Jasmine relaxed, I was answering every call light on the hall. One resident needed their diaper changed. Another spilled juice on the floor. And then there was Mrs. Thompson, who needed a complete bed change after an “incident.”

“Where’s Jasmine?” the nurse asked, looking around.

I shrugged. “Probably solving world hunger in the breakroom,” I muttered under my breath.

The Mid-Shift Return

A cartoon of Jasmine walking back onto the hall with a carefree attitude while Karen glares at her, holding a mop and bucket.

Part 4: The Mid-Shift Return

Jasmine finally reappeared midway through the shift, smelling suspiciously like weed.

“Girl, you’ve been gone for hours!” I said, glaring at her.

“I had to step out for some air,” she said, brushing me off.

I stared at her, wondering if she thought I was born yesterday. Meanwhile, the nurse walked by and gave her a side-eye so sharp it could cut glass.

The Petty Clapback

A cartoon of Karen smirking as she folds her arms while Jasmine looks panicked, holding a pile of linens.

Part 5: The Petty Revenge

When Jasmine realized she only had an hour left and her residents hadn’t been touched, panic set in.

“Karen, can you help me with Mrs. Thompson’s bath?” she asked.

I smiled sweetly. “Sure. If you give me half your paycheck.”

Her jaw dropped. “You serious?”

“As serious as the rash on Mr. Johnson’s back from sitting in a dirty brief all day,” I shot back.

The Write-Up Threat

A cartoon of Karen sitting confidently in a chair, handing a pen to a frustrated nurse, while Jasmine sulks in the background.

Part 6: The Nurse’s Intervention

By the end of the shift, Jasmine had run to the nurse, claiming I wasn’t being a “team player.”

The nurse approached me while I was sitting down, finally resting after a chaotic day.

“Karen, Jasmine said you refused to help her,” she began.

I grabbed a pen from my pocket and handed it to her. “Go ahead and write me up. But make sure you spell my name right.”

The nurse shook her head and walked away, muttering, “I’m not paid enough for this.”

Final Thoughts: When Teamwork Falls Apart

Working with a lazy coworker is one of the hardest parts of being a CNA. But through the chaos, the frustration, and the honey buns, you find ways to laugh and make it through. Whether you’re a Karen or a Jasmine, one thing’s for sure—every nursing home shift has its stories.

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Author

Written by

Karen Ford

Hi, I’m Karen, the creative force behind BestfriendTV—your go-to destination for hilarious animated comedy with a twist! I specialize in creating relatable, laugh-out-loud animations and skits that shine a spotlight on real-life experiences, from the unpredictable world of CNAs and nurses to family drama, pranks, and everything in between. With over 200k TikTok followers and an ever-growing audience, my animated stories and characters have captured the hearts of comedy fans across social media. One of my proudest accomplishments is creating a vibrant community that loves and resonates with the humor in my content. My work doesn’t stop at social media! I’m also a proud author of two engaging books: Mastering Animation with Plotagon – A step-by-step guide for aspiring animators. Shattered Innocence – A dramatic and gripping story available on Amazon. In addition, I run my own online store, A Black Girl Named Karen, where I sell witty nurse-themed merchandise, including apparel, tumblers, and more. My designs bring humor to life and let people express their unique personalities with style. What drives me? Revolutionizing representation in animation and showing the world that humor has no limits. Whether it’s through my funny CNA Life series or my original characters like Keitha and Karen, I aim to entertain, inspire, and connect with my audience one laugh at a time. Thanks for stopping by! Dive into my world of creativity, and let’s laugh together.