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oldie but newbie here ...AL question



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Aug 14, 2006 10:29 PM

oldie but newbie here ...AL question


I have been an LPN for 13 years working mostly in various Dr's offices.
My only other experience has been a few months on the floor of a small community hospital directly after I got out of school.
I am now working in an urgent care facility sometimes up to 15 hrs a day.
I am exhausted from the long hours and honestly just want to try something new.
So, today I got hired in for part-time on 3-11 shift in a 26 bed AL center.
Apparently most all the residents have alzheimers or dementia.
I started today with viewing a series of educational videos and will finish those on Wed. Then I start on the floor with orientation.
Now, I am starting to freak a little bit. I have never been in a supervisory position and no experience in NH/AL. What was I thinking ? LOL
The DON told me that they don't do IV's or G tubes, cathters ect, so that made me feel a little better. I will have 4 nursing assistants and I will be the only nurse on the shift.
For those with experience....have I bitten off more than I can chew ?
I am trying to stay positive. Both my parents are very ill and are nursing home patients, so I wonder if I have romantizied the notion of making a real difference to someone else ?
I have really enjoyed reading the boards here and looking forward to contributing ...
Thank you in advance.


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2 Comments
No. 1
Old Aug 14, 2006, 10:53 PM

Default Re: oldie but newbie here ...AL question
I love ALF nursing!! I have the best of all possible worlds: the geriatric population, whom I love dearly, but unlike most nursing-home residents nowadays, most AL residents still have a lot going for them. They need help---that's why they're there---but they usually don't have heavy care needs such as 2-person transfers, tube feedings, Q 2hr turns and the like. Many of my residents are enjoying life well into their 80s, 90s and beyond; a few still drive and manage all their own affairs; others need more help, but are able to carry on conversations and have fun doing things together.

Of course, ALFs are all different, and the culture a particular building has is dependent on the ownership/management as well as the staff and residents. Personally, I don't recommend working at a facility managed by a for-profit corporation; they tend to make too many petty rules, and many such companies like to cut operating costs by understaffing and skimping on salaries as well as supplies. (The building I work for now is managed by a non-profit organization, and it's the best-run, best-staffed facility I've ever seen.)

Try it---you'll probably like it!!
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No. 2
Old Aug 15, 2006, 03:06 PM

Default Re: oldie but newbie here ...AL question
You wont know till you try .
There are some good sites explaining Alzheimers and Dementia dx and tx
try googling and reading.
I find the feild fascinating. and I only wanted to work in pediatrics some 20 years ago- but G-D had better plans.
I am sure you will discover hidden talents and feel great- Lots of Luck!!
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