New Grad Portland - Assisted Living

[MsPdx]

Hello All,

Finally, after countless resumes, several interviews and nearly 4 months of searching, I accepted a position at an assisted living facility. They were extremely receptive to having a new grad and have offered me all sorts of training and continuing education. I start next week. The position title is Assisted Living Supervisor RN. It is certainly not the job I thought I would have as my first job out of nursing school. It seems to be focused more on case management, education, assessment, lots of meetings with families, med management, and delegation. It is clear to me that I will not get a lot (any) high acuity residents (perhaps the odd colostomy and injection) and for this reason I am fearful of losing my medical nursing skills. Although I will definitely be using all my other nursing skills. My hope is that they will allow me to at least take classes periodically to keep myself fresh with medical treatments and interventions. Portland is sure not beating down my door offering me hospital positions, so I'm looking at this position as a way to gain experience. Maybe I'll love it. No doubt I love the geriatric population. Am interested to hear how others got into the field, if they've had difficulty finding jobs in other fields and mostly, how in the world does one juggle so many residents? Thanks!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

There are a LOT of threads in here about juggling a bazillion sick old folks.

Good luck!

You don't lose your clinical skills but they do get rusty. They come right back.

[afgawler71]

Hi! I am a new graduate in search of a job in Portland, as well. I was worried about losing my skills too, but getting a foot in the door seems like the best option and there are lots of internships for nurses with experience, so when you get a hospital job, they will have the appropriate training. There are lots of classes at PCC that can help keep the skills up.

Also, what is the name of the Assisted Living Facility you are working at? Are they still hiring? I also love the geriatric population...