Want to work in Dementia care - any advice?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Hi all,

I just completed my CNA training and am looking to start work in the new year. I would really like to work in a dementia/memory care unit. I'd prefer to work at a quality place that cares about their residents, though I know getting into one with out a background in the medical field might be hard. (my only medical experience is care giving for family members and volunteering with hospice care).

Does any one have any advice on getting a job with a memory care unit? Tips to make the work easier for a newbie? Questions to ask the facility during the interview process? General advice or stories to share are also appreciated.

Thank you! :-)

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Hi all,

I just completed my CNA training and am looking to start work in the new year. I would really like to work in a dementia/memory care unit. I'd prefer to work at a quality place that cares about their residents, though I know getting into one with out a background in the medical field might be hard. (my only medical experience is care giving for family members and volunteering with hospice care).

Does any one have any advice on getting a job with a memory care unit? Tips to make the work easier for a newbie? Questions to ask the facility during the interview process? General advice or stories to share are also appreciated.

Thank you! :-)

Congrats on completing your training ..ive only had experience w/dementia pts in geriatric psych ..Working with them can be funny/frustrating/sad/exhausting ....it definitely takes a special person to do so..I got hired as a float pool tech in a hosp and just worked there when they needed me..so I really dont have much advice on how to get a job in that area. Try adult day care ..state psych hospitals..home health... private duty..one warning they fight(I actually got beat up by a 100yr old lady when I challenged my cna test lol) and ive had my skin broken a few times which can be scary especially when working with a large population that tends to play in thier poop (seriously).. good luck you shouldn't have a hard time finding a job in that area :)

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Specializes in Long term care.

Add to your resume that you've volunteered with Hospice and cared for family. That is experience!

As far working with dementia patients:

Pick and choose your "battles" with them carefully. By that I mean, before trying to "Make" someone do something they are refusing, ask yourself if the battle is really worth it?

Try to remember that you will often lose patients that you care for. You must have thick skin and remember that when it's their time to go, it's simply their time...if you don't accept this fact, you will be heart broken at every turn and won't be able to do your job. (This past year, I've lost more than 12 residents!). :unsure:

Sometimes it's better to just go with the flow when a confused resident says something to you.

An example: A resident keeps getting out of bed (setting off her bed alarm) because she says she forgot to put the left over dinner away (or feed the dog, or whatever). She lives in a nursing home and none of those things really exist but, I tell her not to worry, I'm here to take care of all that for her. I get her into bed and let her know that I'm going to go feed the dog (or whatever) now.

A resident tells you that someone came in and stole all their clothes. If you tell them it's not true, their mind is playing tricks on them, chances are, the resident will get even more upset because you don't believe them. It's probably best to tell them that you will look into the situation and will get everything straighten out. (They relax because you are going to take care of the it, 10 minutes later, they forget about the whole thing!).

Sometimes you have to be very creative on how to manage a resident who is confused and anxious. You quickly learn what works for them and what doesn't.

Questions to ask? How many residents per unit, and on average, how many of those residents are total care vs those who need minimal care?

Tell them you like to work as part of a team because it makes everyone's job easier and the residents happier, ask what they think the working atmosphere is like. If you get a tour of the facility, ask a CNA what it's like.

Lastly, when you do get a job in a LTC facility, remember it can take about a month for you to get the routine down. You will come home sore and exhausted from head to toe. ....you may even feel like crying for the 1st few days and wonder what the heck you got yourself into...Just know, it gets easier!!!! Your body gets use to it.

P.S ALWAYS raise the bed when providing care (no exceptions!) and use proper body mechanics. The bending takes a toll on your back, so take the time to raise that bed!!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

take classes and training offered by your local chapter of the

alzheimer's association

it will greatly help you in doing your job

as well as finding one at a facility that cares

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Many facilities have dedicated memory care units. Look into that. Also contact your local Alzheimer's organisation and ask about facilities that care for that population. Definitely mention your hospice and family care experience, my family xare experience is what got me my first job!!!!! Also in your interview, tell the hr person about your passion to provide care for dementia residents. It takes a certain temperament to care for this population. Bless you!!!!

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Specializes in alziemers.

Like the above poster mentioned , most places have units dedicated to Alzhiemers/Dementia. I was just like you and after clinical time I knew that was where I wanted to be, so when I got my first job, I requested that floor. I have worked at a few places since then and have always request placement in that unit. Most places were happy to put me there (I was a float at one place but got my wish shortly after I started)

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