Psych to Supportive living change

[gluktar]

I went back to school later in life so I currently have 2 years experience in adult acute psych in a large hospital in a big city. Enjoying it but its a little stressful... Just landed a 0.6FTE at a supportive living facility (I'm in Alberta Canada, it's like LTC but less medical, defined as: "a secure, home-like environment with 24/7 care for residents." ). My job is 2 parts. I am the "on-site RN" who is the go-to guy for the LPNs and HCAs (NAs?) and writing care plans and talking with families. I will also be doing education and in-services. So my questions are:

My medical experience is less than finely tuned. What should I do to prepare? What should I focus on reading? What are the top issues I need to familiarize myself with? The care ranges from relatively independent seniors to a secure dementia unit to patient requiring total care.

Thanks!!!

[Oldmahubbard]

There is quite a body of literature for the dementia caregiver, a title like the 36 hour day comes to mind. You might start there.

Good luck. I had a position like this years ago and it was one of my favorite jobs

[Golden_RN, MSN]

When I was an educator in skilled nursing we had gov't-mandated subjects that we had to teach every year (i.e. dementia, elder abuse, infection control, needs of the disabled/aged, etc.). You may want to see/decide on what subjects you are going to teach and start making some lesson plan outlines.

As you get to know the facility, you may see areas the need improvement and want to provide in-services on those issues you find.

I agree with Oldmahubbard that a brush up on Dementia might be helpful.

Sounds like a great job!