Assisted living as a visitor/Sunday School teacher not a nurse.

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I uesed to go to this assisted livng place to have Sunday School, cook Breakfast and read. For the last couple of months I notice the aides slipping out the back door leaving me, the honored "Guest" there alone. The 4th or 5th time I called the owner and told her I was not "working there" that I was a guest/visitor and I did not expect to be required to bathe, toilet etc the clients. Usually I ws only there 45 minutes, but had to wait to see if the CNA showed back up. The usually did or I called the owner and told her to get there as I was leaving.

Get this, she said you are a nurse aren't you. Well she had me there, but I said I am not working as a nurse and I don't intend to do your staff's work. I won't be back. (Bad karma cam shooting through the phone lines)

Well that was a couple of months ago and now a 9 client home has opened in my town. It's operated by the former owners sister. Now she's Called ME. Should I take a chance? I remind you there was no compensation and I loved the old people, but for them to think they have an RN under their thumb is just WRONG-right?

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

It is wrong to expect you to work just because you are a RN and not compensate you for it. If they are paying you to work then that is different but just because you are a nurse but visiting as a none nurse does not mean you are at their beck and call

I couldn't have said it better. And I don't know if I would take a chance with them unless I couldn't find work anywhere else. That was really, really, wrong.

Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,.

That is so wrong. I would never work / volunteer for that company again.

Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

I would do it. That is for the residents and with clear understanding, that you are there as a volunteer, not a working professional. You are there to teach, entertain, enjoy the residents only. If she can not respect this, then you will not be back and the ones losing out, are the residents. The new owner is a different individual and may appreciate and understand your role. Don't let the selfish one, take that away from her, nor you away from something you enjoyed doing. Whatever you decide, do what is in your heart. Peace!

Specializes in Oncology.

It's a huge liability issue for them to expect you to toilet patients, etc if you're not working there as a nurse.

Specializes in Cardiac.

That's pretty shady… But if you enjoy volunteering I would agree to it, but be upfront and tell them what you expect to see while you're there (ie: staff helping w activities, staff doing their jobs/not leaving you alone, etc.) Make your intensions clear.

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