oldie but newbie here ...AL question

[ladybiker711]

I have been an LPN for 13 years working mostly in various Dr's offices.

My only other experience has been a few months on the floor of a small community hospital directly after I got out of school.

I am now working in an urgent care facility sometimes up to 15 hrs a day.

I am exhausted from the long hours and honestly just want to try something new.

So, today I got hired in for part-time on 3-11 shift in a 26 bed AL center.

Apparently most all the residents have alzheimers or dementia.

I started today with viewing a series of educational videos and will finish those on Wed. Then I start on the floor with orientation.

Now, I am starting to freak a little bit. I have never been in a supervisory position and no experience in NH/AL. What was I thinking ? LOL

The DON told me that they don't do IV's or G tubes, cathters ect, so that made me feel a little better. I will have 4 nursing assistants and I will be the only nurse on the shift.

For those with experience....have I bitten off more than I can chew ?

I am trying to stay positive. Both my parents are very ill and are nursing home patients, so I wonder if I have romantizied the notion of making a real difference to someone else ?

I have really enjoyed reading the boards here and looking forward to contributing ...

Thank you in advance.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I love ALF nursing!! I have the best of all possible worlds: the geriatric population, whom I love dearly, but unlike most nursing-home residents nowadays, most AL residents still have a lot going for them. They need help---that's why they're there---but they usually don't have heavy care needs such as 2-person transfers, tube feedings, Q 2hr turns and the like. Many of my residents are enjoying life well into their 80s, 90s and beyond; a few still drive and manage all their own affairs; others need more help, but are able to carry on conversations and have fun doing things together.

Of course, ALFs are all different, and the culture a particular building has is dependent on the ownership/management as well as the staff and residents. Personally, I don't recommend working at a facility managed by a for-profit corporation; they tend to make too many petty rules, and many such companies like to cut operating costs by understaffing and skimping on salaries as well as supplies. (The building I work for now is managed by a non-profit organization, and it's the best-run, best-staffed facility I've ever seen.)

Try it---you'll probably like it!!

[achot chavi]

You wont know till you try .

There are some good sites explaining Alzheimers and Dementia dx and tx

try googling and reading.

I find the feild fascinating. and I only wanted to work in pediatrics some 20 years ago- but G-D had better plans.

I am sure you will discover hidden talents and feel great- Lots of Luck!!