[maddiesmommy]

Hi, does anyone here work as an LPN in an assisted living facility? I think I'd love to work in one eventually.

My mom works in an ALF as a receptionist. Their LPN's do not wear scrubs, as to not make it feel like a "hospital setting".

If anyone here works or has works for an ALF, can you tell me what your experience there is/was like and if you like(d) it?

Thanks in advance!

[texas_lvn]

I worked AL for almost a year PRN and LOVED IT. Here in Texas, it is really easy for the residents to come and go as they please. They do need to sign out on a sign out sheet, but only out of respect for us. Like living with someone and telling them "Hey I am going over to Maries. I will be back at 10pm."

We also serve food, and give meds if they choose for us to, otherwise we have to have a Dr order for them to have their own meds. We get them filled, or atleast call them in. If they have a different pharmacy from ours it is their responsibility to have them picked up.

We do take vitals at least weekly, unless otherwise noted, but really otherwise there is no nursing SKILLS needed. It has gone so far that if the pt is a diabetic, they have HH come in and give insulin and take their BS. We can take their BS PRN, but HH has a schedule that comes in. Same thing for dressing changes and so on.

I really enjoyed my time there, and would go back again soon if I wanted to. A colleage of mine once said she felt more like a waitress than a nurse. So there is some food for thought.

We did have to were scrubs. It helped make the family feel like the high premium they were paying was worth it

[meddic]

I have been an LPN for 30+ years and worked in AL's off and on for the last 8. It depends on the state you are in as to how much you will be allowed to do as a nurse in a AL. In some states you do pretty much everything. The nice thing is your patients are more responsive and usually become friends.
Meddic

[TheCommuter]

I don't work in an ALF, but they are popular workplaces for LPNs/LVNs.

[LegginMF]

I am working ALF, but it has 2 buildings. One building is just ALF, the other is a locked Alz/Dem facility but is still considered assisted living. I am in the Alz/Dem and prefer it to the regular ALF. because ALF can make you feel like a waitress or servant. And really just please keep me away from the alert and oriented! LOL I love my residents and always have really great days at work.

[maddiesmommy]

I am working ALF, but it has 2 buildings. One building is just ALF, the other is a locked Alz/Dem facility but is still considered assisted living. I am in the Alz/Dem and prefer it to the regular ALF. because ALF can make you feel like a waitress or servant. And really just please keep me away from the alert and oriented! LOL I love my residents and always have really great days at work.

LegginMF,

The ALF that my mom works at is exactly like the one you work at too. She is a receptionist in the regular building, and the Alz/Dem is right next door. It's a very nice facility, and the people that work there all seem very nice. I'd love to be apart of it, once I become an LPN.

[foxxcat]

I have worked in AL for 10years now and I love it. I have be the HCC/DON the entire time . it is so much better then LTC I think I have resident that need no assisst to one that has a colostomy. the first AL I worked at I opened, I wa here for 9 years until the company got to crazy, the one I am at now is a nice layed back place
Go for it AL is great

[amandasaidso]

I work at a locked Alz/Dem facility that is considered assisted living. Many residents are able to come and go as they please. Nurses are expected to help in the dining room & help aides often, but it is a beautiful facility & very home-like. We wear "business casual" which is more on the casual side. I really enjoy my job