Nurse CT

There are a couple things to remember when the state is in for Survey. 1. Don't give them any information they don't ask for. Be short and sweet, they love when employees get friendly and keep talking. 2. Don't ever say you don't know the answer. Its very common to say, "I will get back to you" They do observe medpasses, look through charts, and ask questions regarding care. State surveyors come in for annual survey with names of residents who they will look at. They get these residents from MDS's State surveyors will do whatever they can to find errors. Care plans better be followed, any interventions noted better be in place. Just stay calm and do what your supposed to. Many of the surveyors are nice, but their job is to find problems. If you over hear the surveyors talking about a specific resident/issue or looking at something bring it to the attention of the DNS, or Administrator. Just a couple helpful tips.

I've heard a lot of good things about Apple Health Care, very employee oriented and resident oriented. I like their "Better Life Philosophy"

The union is bad, my advice is stay away from any building/facility where there is a chance of being unionized. Generally speaking if cards have been signed then management is poor. When there is management who cares and consistant its more difficult for the dreaded union to get in.

A friend of mine who currently works in a nursing home has told me how much better she likes working in a nursing home rather than a hospital. I have been employed as a floor nurse for 15 years at a local hospital in the valley and I think its time for a change, perhaps to a slower pace environment where I can get to know the patients. Has anyone tried working in LTC? Did you like it, dislike it?