[tmeese]

Hi my name is Tabby and I'm new to the world of activitys director and I would love any help that you all can give me.

Thanks a lot
Tab

[sirI]

Hello and to Allnurses.com

Great to have you with us. Enjoy the forums.

[Jessy_RN]

Welcome to the site. Enjoy your stay and best wishes to you.

[Simba&NalasMom]

Welcome to the site and to your new job, Tabby! It takes a special person to ensure that these old dears have fun on a daily basis (sorry, assuming you're working in long-term care).

I've never worked activities myself but do know that the job is much harder than it looks. What I can tell you is try to be patient with the nursing staff; I've had more than one occasion where I'd have to pull a resident from an activity, not so much because it's a convenient time for me, but because they require a procedure that has been ordered for a particular time. I know this annoys the activities people, but sometimes it can't be helped. Personally, I always make a point to apologize for the interruption and return the resident to his/her fun as soon a possible, but you may find some nurses or CNAs will just come in and take them without so much as a "by your leave." These people aren't trying to be mean, they're just trying to get their jobs done in a stressful work environment.

You can also utilize the staff; when you're new to a place, you don't know each individual's habits, likes/dislikes, diet restrictions, etc. and it can be pretty overwhelming. If you have a stable staff, your nurses and CNAs are a great resource.

Sorry I can't be more specific as far as particular activities...I did find a pretty neat website that lists some ideas:

http://activityprofessional.com/ideas.html

Good luck to you; you are in such a rewarding field.

[tmeese]

Thank you all and the activity professional site was very helpfull. just to tell you a little about me I have been in long term care for all most 10 year as a cna. I have two kids and a wonderfull husband. I'm in Portland Oregon so if any one from that area and know of any good entertament or pet therapy please let me know.

YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFULL WEEK

THANKS
tab

[Simba&NalasMom]

Hey, Tab...I'm in PDX too! I'll ask around. Shoot me an e-mail and I'll respond with any leads.

[CapeCodMermaid]

"....these old dears"????? sounds rather condescending.

[Cute_CNA]

Originally Posted by CapeCodMermaid

"....these old dears"????? sounds rather condescending.

I don't think it's meant to be insulting, perhaps more a term of endearment.

[CapeCodMermaid]

Originally Posted by Cute_CNA

I don't think it's meant to be insulting, perhaps more a term of endearment.

I would find it condescending, demeaning, and insulting, but then again, I was raised to be extremely polite and always refer to my patients/residents as Mr or Mrs unless they specifically ask me to call them something else.

[Simba&NalasMom]

Nope, of course I didn't mean for it to sound condescending. I am always extremely polite when dealing with residents and I feel them out before I presume to use terms of endearment such as "Sweetie"...not that I should have to justify myself on a message board.