HHa's in assisted living

[ladybug09]

Right now I'm in school taking prereqs for nursing programs in my area (NY) and will be training to become an hha in a few weeks. I've never done this type of work before and mainly want to be able to see what I'm getting myself into before nursing school. I really want to work in an assisted living setting because it seems very laid back and the facilities in my area are always hiring for caregivers. My question is, how is it working as an hha in assisted living?? Is it stressful and is it difficult? Or is it better than doing home cases? Also, are most facilities understanding of students who are in school and willing to work with them? Thanks for your help

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I'm a DNS in assisted living, and I can tell you that caregiving is hard, hard work: if people think it's "laid-back", they're not doing it right.

However, it's also very rewarding in a lot of ways, as ALF residents usually have most of their wits about them and they are fun to be around. Yet their physical conditions are often fragile enough that you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn and practice skills that will serve you well throughout your career, e.g. taking vital signs, learning simple wound care, checking blood sugars, administering meds and so on.

AL doesn't pay as much as skilled-nursing facilities, but then you don't have to hold state certification in order to work there (it may be different in your state, though). Of course, the best way to find out if this work is for you is to try it. Good luck!