New LPN starting LTC job in Alzheimers unit

I to also want to congratulate you and really hope you will enjoy your job. I have worked off and on in LTC since the beginning of my career. I even works as an assistant activity director before nursing playing bingo after school while in high school years ago. I graduated at 19 had no children and was not married at that time and I remember thinking wow they trust me to take care of these people I really need to take this seriously. And I did and I have tried a lot of different specialities in nursing but guess what I am back in LTC lol. Doing MDS's and feel like I am becoming more and more anal everyday for the almighty dollar. Alzheimer's Units can be so great if you guys have a good system down. It can be very sad at times too for the residents and the families and you know all that being a nurse aide before and that will make you an even better nurse. I also teach nurse aides in our facility through our state program. Which I dearly love and on top of that have started back to work on my RN I have a few more modules to complete. I will get there.
Balancing the children thing, well I have 2 boys 5 and 2 and the youngest has downs syndrome. I love them to pieces and I try to set time aside for each one. The older one bless his heart had to deal with me at work all the time when he was a little thing I was ADON and practically lived at the nursing home but this year I have learned to take time for myself and my family with going back to school and planning family things. And I am 40 years old doing all this lol. Been a nurse 20 years and just now going back to school. I wish you the best of luck in your new job and hug those babies every chance you get !!
OH and dont forget it is ok if you say no sometimes to extra shifts so you can see your kids. ( I learned that too late lol)

Congrats on your new career!! I, too, started on an Alzheimer's unit in LTC 4 days after graduating LPN school!!! I worked 3-11 so it was a bit quieter than 7-3. I was able to work as a nurse tech until I took and passed my boards-about 1 month. Learn all you can from the nurses on your hall and others. Don't be afraid to ask questions and jump in and participate!! The night I found out I passed the NCLEX the DON let me fly on my own- nervous but prepared and ready to do so. As far as your DH and kids , they will be fine!! The house may be a little untidy and the kids may be full of sugar but they will survive!!! Just let them know they're loved and appreciated!! You'll do GREAT b/c of them!!