RN position at new ALC

[ch232]

I live in a very small community that is opening a new (only) ALC soon. The part time RN job will be contracted to a local native health clinic and the position (20 hrs/wk) is advertized. Apparently, 2-3 hours/day will be spent at the center, and the rest of the time will be spent at the clinic where the RN will be involved in case management or other duties. The projected patient census is up to 10, with anticipation of 5 admissions with opening. The ALC has an independent administrator and board, but nursing services are to be provided by contract....I am guessing that on the new-hire off days, the clinic will 'cover' the ALC with a clinic RN. The clients will have low acuity and only require minimum help with ADL. In your experiences, is it reasonable to run a small facility with an RN in attendence for 2-3 hours/day? Thanks!

[onesunniegal]

ch232,

I could totally be wrong as I live in NC and you may not. It is my understanding that ALFs do not have to have a nurse on staff at all. It is a SNF that must be staffed with nurses (as well as CNAs). So if this is true, the nurse would be "extra". Please anyone if this is incorrect, put me on the right path.

Thanks,

-s

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Ten residents-one RN for 2-3 hours a day seems very reasonable if the residents are truly AL. I'm sure the HHAs will be doing the ADL assistance. I have one RN for 20 residents in an Independent Living community. She's in the building 10 hours a week and that is more than adequate. (Most of my residents would be better off in an AL but they are here and we deal with them)