LTC vs Assisted living

[Mscoleman78]

I am a new nurse with 3 months experience in a nursing home fresh out of school. I am a wound nurse because I'm doing 4-5 wounds all stage 3 or 4. I am a respiratory therapist because I'm administering nebulizer treatments. I am a medication nurse because I'm passing meds to 20 patients. We have wound nurses on duty but they pick and choose which wounds to do, the CNAS are in cliques and doesn't want to help, and there is a nurse who lies, gossip, and twist EVERY situation. After reaching my breaking point I decided to give assisted living a try, I'll be starting in 2 weeks. I hope and pray that this is a better situation then my current one!!!! Can anyone give me their advice, opinions, or share their story on this topic???

[didi768]

Update: they offered me days and I left in a heartbeat buttttt I would now never suggest working in AL without at least a year under your belt. You won't gain any skills!!

You left after being offered day shift you mean?

[didi768]

I had a job in assisted living for 2 years. I ended up going back to skilled nursing. In my AL, there were 3 buildings. 2 buildings were AL and 1 building had a locked dementia unit on the ground floor with 3 floors of independent living residents above. We had med techs and PCAs. Often, I would have a med pass to do for 25 residents plus I would be the only nurse for 3 buildings. There were a few times on night shift that I had to carry keys for 4 carts from 2 different buildings. It was absolutely insane and very unsafe. There needs to be more regulation in the assisted living business. Our residents were very sick also. We had diabetics, hospice patients, 2 assists, and wounds. I am much happier working in skilled care.

That is EXACTLY why in Minnesota I quit on my first night. Plus, three ppl cracked their heads open and bled.

[Nu2be, CNA]

Mscoleman78! I hear that. I am just starting my prereqs for nursing. I have over 10 years in health-care from medical assisting to cardio tech to registering in the ER. I know I DO NOT want to work in a hospital and do bedside nursing. You do what works well for YOU. Im happy to read that you found your niche and it is working out for you. Im reside in IL as well by Schaumburg.

[Nu2be, CNA]

Congrats Chicarocks!