Interview for assisted living. Some specific advice?

[cherubhipster]

Hey everyone!

I have an interview for an assisted living position next week (night shift). Currently my experience is in ltc, early and late stage alzheimers. Can you talk to me about some of the positives of working in al? I just don't want to harp in the fact of why it's better than my current job. I want to be able to talk about why I will love al for itself, not in comparison to something else.

The other tricky part of this is that I'm persuing my masters as a psych np. How can I relate my long term goals to assisted living? Anny thoughts?

As always, thank you for the help. I love the allnurses community!

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Just emphasize your compassion and love for the residents. They love to hear that you are a team player, competent , and willing to grow.

They will probably ask you about a difficult situation and how you over came it.

I like ALF. I find myself able to do alot more teaching with residents that are Alert and oriented.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[AtomicWoman]

As far as the psych NP, if that subject comes up in your interview, you can spin it that you have or will receive training in Geri Psych. That way, you will be alert for any changes in the residents that might indicate cognitive or mental changes. Early detection can mean the person will get treatment earlier.

Good luck!

[SweettartRN]

My advice: Don't do it! You will have unlicensed personnel passing meds under your license, a host of uneducated persons to train that only make $8.00 per hour, and a lifetime of being on call, having families angry at you, and I could go on and on.

I would never recommend that a nurse work at assisted living. It's much too risky.

[Debilpn23]

I agree with what Nurse LoveJOY88 posted.

I have been a nurse at an ALF on the dementia unit for over 4years. I love it most nights.

At the ALF I work at we give all our own meds. Unlicensed personal are not allowed to administer meds or treatments.

Good luck with your interview:yeah:

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

My advice: Don't do it! You will have unlicensed personnel passing meds under your license, a host of uneducated persons to train that only make $8.00 per hour, and a lifetime of being on call, having families angry at you, and I could go on and on.

I would never recommend that a nurse work at assisted living. It's much too risky.

I got a job in an ALF while in school and still work there casual, not as a registered/licensed staff member. When I am passing out meds, or the other UCP's (unregulated health care providers - thats what we call it here) we do not do it under someone else's licence. A UCP makes a mistake, the UCP tells the nurse, fill's out the paper work, and takes actions to correct it with direction form the nurse. The nurse is only responsible for her actions.

I'd say go for it. I really like where I work. It will be good experience and hopefully not too much stress. A great place while you are in school.

Show you love working with geriatrics and get across how much respect you have for the population and that you feel it is an area where you can make a difference.

I'm a new grad and have had two interview in LTC they asked my about why I want to work in geriatrics, why their facility specifically, what is a work related challenge, what do I enjoy. They probably will ask about why you want to work nights. (is it cuz you have kids and want to be home during the day, or you are just a night owl, or can't find an other job and as soon as you do you will be gone)

I really do enjoy it, it is busy but in a different way then a hospital.

Do they know you are getting you masters? If they don't I might not tell them, dont lie but........it tells them you wont be there for long, might call in if you have an exam the next morning, that your hearts not in that specific area. An ALF has no need for a NP.

Good luck on your interview!