New to assisted living

Published

I just started working at an assisted living alzheimer's unit. I had 4 days orientation, and am on my own now, with 21 residents.

The nurses who oriented me are really awesome, but I feel like I am so slow with everything. It takes me about 2 hours for a med pass on days, and it's so hard to be careful and safe, and then I am behind on doing activities, helping the nurse's aide, and so on... Anyone have any hints to help me become as quick and good as the nurses that trained me?? They really are incredible...

Thanks...

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Specializes in long term care, school nursing.

I keep a cheat sheet available and up to date for my nurses. This cheat sheet has all resident names and the times that meds are due in a 24 hour period. The staff uses the cheat sheet to take report because they can write comments in the space after a resident's name. The cheat sheet can also be used during a med pass because times can be crossed off after meds are given.

Once you become comfortable, you will become quicker with meds, charting, care, etc. Please be patient with yourself.

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Are you able to share a blank format of the cheat sheet?

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Specializes in long term care, school nursing.

PammyRN, CEN- the cheat sheet is simple to create. I have columns on the form. The first column has med times for each resident (8-12-8 for example), the second column has resident name and room number, and the third column is comments. These three columns take the left half of the 8 1/2 x 11 paper. The right half of the page is a repeat because I track a total of 50 residents. I do not have this form here at home. The master is on my work computer. Post again if my description does not make sense to you and I will email you a copy when I return to work on Monday. Good luck to you!

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The most important thing is to be careful and safe. The longer you are there the quicker you will get. Takes time :)

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Were you ever able to get a blank format of your cheat sheet? I would appreciate it. Thanks.

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Does anyone have any helpful information for survey of assisted living facilities? Thanks.

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