nursing home first?

a_clay · Feb 9, 2004

Originally posted by domenica
Hi Everyone! I am on my way to becoming an LPN. I start school this April. I would like to start gaining some experience now, so I was thinking about applying for a job at a local nursing home. Is there anything specific that I need before I would be able to work at a nursing home? I know I wouldn't be working as an LPN of course, but I just wanted to get my foot in the door. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS!!
...Domenica

In order to work in a nursing home you are most likely going to be required to be a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide). I'm not sure abouty your area, but in Dallas there are many places called "assited living facilities", which are kind of like a nursing home but the level of care isn't quite as much as a nursing home. It would be the type of place that someone might live before they got bad enough to need a nursing home. In Texas, you don't have to have any previous training to work in assisted living, but you would certainly need to check your state's requirements.

laughingfairy · Feb 9, 2004

You could also find out about working in another dept in a LTC facility to give you a feel of how the "team" works.

Since your starting school in a couple of months you may not have time to take a certification class first.

Dietary, activities and housekeeping play absoulutly essential roles in running a quality facility

Good luck

lizmatt · Feb 9, 2004

I would call around to various nursing homes in your area, many offer paid certified nursing training. The class could be as little as 3 weeks full-time.

Good Luck!!