nursing home first?

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.

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

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!!