Assisted Living

Butterflybee · Sep 25, 2008

There are not any LPN/LVNs that have worked in an assisted living facility? Isnt there anyone that knows anything at all?

Mom2Derek&Sammy · Sep 26, 2008

I actually was just offered my 1st job yesterday- and it is at an assisted living facility as well. :) I know that it is worlds different from most other places- esp. LTC and I know that the experience is going to be different. But, like you, I need this job- any job!- and I am willing to take it to get any experience. The place that I am going to work for seems very nice and the staff I have met seems very friendly.

From what I gather I will be involved in lots of client education, assisting them with medication issues, some assessment, lots of paperwork as far as documentation, change of status, calling family and doctors when needed. If you get the same type of position you will probably be doing much of the same. It seems to me that, even though it's not the same type of experience that we would get in other facilities, it is still a place that will give lots of experience in many areas.

I'm going in tomorrow to start paperwork and all that- and hopefully I will get a better idea of what else they are expecting of me. If you would like I can let you know how that goes and what I learn. I know that this is not personal experience as far as actually working in the situation but I am willing to go through the new experience with you if you would like! :)

Brazilian · Sep 26, 2008

Does anyone have any personal experience with this type of nursing? They use LPNs and Medication Aides......This would be my first nursing position, theyre offering 100% tuition assistance. In addition to this, I would like to work someplace else to get other experience that I probably wont get here. If they decide to hire me, I will take the position because I need a job but..... Please ANY thoughts, ideas, comments, advice.....

Hi there!

I am a new grad as well... just got my license last July. I've been working in a Assisted Living Facility for the past 6 years, as a Med Aid, and now, as a LPN. We have a high number of Diabetics with sliding scales. So, the LPNs control de CBGs/Insulin shots, any other treatment (like inhalers, breathing treatments, dressing changes, first aids,creams, eye drops, etc.) and a lot of monitoring/teaching. I love it! It's my favorite type of job so far. I tried long term care and Rehab but... I still prefer AL.

If you can, since you want more skilled esperience, try to be part time in two different jobs, one being AL and the other being LTC. This way, you will get the chance to see different things.

Good luck!

Butterflybee · Sep 26, 2008

Thank you so much. Yes, that would be great to go through it together. Once I am in the shift im going to be in I would like to p/t elsewhere to get other experience. But wont they want me to do orientation too, wouldnt that be too much at first? How long was your orientation and how long did it take you to actually begin working from time of interview?

Brazilian · Sep 26, 2008

Thank you so much. Yes, that would be great to go through it together. Once I am in the shift im going to be in I would like to p/t elsewhere to get other experience. But wont they want me to do orientation too, wouldnt that be too much at first? How long was your orientation and how long did it take you to actually begin working from time of interview?

My orientation took only 3 days because I was working for the same company before, as a Med Aid, for the last 6 years. So, I already knew all about the facility and the residents, but could not do the job because I wasn't licensed yet.

But take your time to get used to the AL and them, move on doing a couple of days in Long Term Care to get the experience you want. I am doing 4 days at the A. Living and 1 day a week in a Long Term Care. Next year I intend to do 3 days in the A L and 2 days in LTC. So... I get the chance to see both!

:yeah:

Butterflybee · Sep 27, 2008

I know that I will always be able to do AL, I really need to learn clinicals though. It makes me concerned that I wont be doing that. Are these jobs at ALF difficult to come by??

Brazilian · Sep 27, 2008

I know that I will always be able to do AL, I really need to learn clinicals though. It makes me concerned that I wont be doing that. Are these jobs at ALF difficult to come by??

The turn over in AL is way lower than in LTC. COnsequently, you will see less opening in AL than in LTC. And the ratio nurse/resident is lower too, about 1 LPN for 50 resident. That explains why we don't see opening in AL very often, doesn't it?

:typing :wink2:

Butterflybee · Sep 27, 2008

Im going to stick with AL for now. In school, I wanted to go into psyche to focus on documentation and medications. God had other plans for me...I get to do that now with this job but dont have to be in the psyche environment. Ive heard of ALF but I did not know anything about them ever. I guess Ill stick with it, I considerate myself fortunate. My friends said this is where they wanted to work ALF. I never knew... Im now looking forward to it :yeah: :nurse:

lpnornot · Sep 27, 2008

Sorry can't help you but I'd like to know too.

They offer tution assistance to become an LPN? Mind telling me the state you live in. Never heard of this in MD.

I've worked in an assisted living facility. There weren't any LPN's there just a crazy incompetant, iresponsible RN.

Be aware of one thing. I believe there are different levels of assisted living, I,II,III to the extent of independence of the resident. Do not work in a place where you are made to manually lift more than 35lbs no matter how much they offer you or you could ruin your chances of being a nurse or living pain free due to skeletal injuries. This weight guldeline comes fromt CBC, ANA and OSHA and there's plenty of anacdotal evidence from former nurses including ones who write in here.

If there are assisted living facilties where LPN's don't have to do heavy manual lifting I'd be very interested to know.

Good luck.

lpnornot · Sep 27, 2008

Is there alot of heavy manual lifting where you work? And what state, If I may ask?

If there isn't, I'd love to work as an LPN one day in assisted living. I work as a home-health aide with the elderly and I love that population so much.

Butterflybee · Sep 27, 2008

No heavy lifting, NJ. The tuition compensation is for LPN to RN. Good luck, nursing is a great and rewarding field.

Is there alot of heavy manual lifting where you work? And what state, If I may ask?
If there isn't, I'd love to work as an LPN one day in assisted living. I work as a home-health aide with the elderly and I love that population so much.