Scared!!

In some states, a "caregiver" in an assisted living facility CAN pass meds once they completed training.

Yes, but in those states that "med aide" must be supervised by a nurse and there was no nurse on duty.

Thanks everyone for your input!

I've decided I won't be working there. I decided that when my next shift was supposed to be "on my own". Ummm 70 residents...all in a 3 story building? sorry but no. I feel terrible about it, but I don't want to jeopardize my certification. They have falls pretty much every day (the first night I read their "24 hour book" which is where they write all their documentation). The girl that handed the meds said they could get certified for Med techs, but she's not certified... yet. In my Cna class we were instructed to NEVER deal with meds, at all. I'm in California, just for clarification.

And apparently this lady has done this to someone else.. hired them on the spot and had them sink or swim in 2 days. Umm no :-/

Sigh..

It is generally a bad idea to ask about pay rate on first job interview, if you google that question you will see why. But the original post written here she states she was hired, so therefore she should ask pay rate, she just didn't get a chance to ask further questions.

You must be GenY. I don't need to consult google on matters of common sense, lol. I've inquired about pay rate on the first interview at every job I've ever had.

I assume they didn't require you to have a Drug Screen as well?

You must be GenY. I don't need to consult google on matters of common sense, lol. I've inquired about pay rate on the first interview at every job I've ever had.

Consulting with google only verifies what job interview books or job coaches advise. Yet many don't follow etiquette and unfortunately ask anyway, some get the jobs, many don't and that question comes across to interviewer as what can they do for you instead. Only talk wages if the question is brought up first by interviewer on a first interview. Higher wage jobs are more likely to frown upon this question in first interview unless the potential employer brings it up first. So did you get every job you asked about wages on first interview, doubt it and if you did it was pure luck with a smaller organization. And it seems you a very young and inexperienced in Interview Etiquette. Thanks, GenY

Thanks everyone for your input!

I've decided I won't be working there. I decided that when my next shift was supposed to be "on my own". Ummm 70 residents...all in a 3 story building? sorry but no. I feel terrible about it, but I don't want to jeopardize my certification. They have falls pretty much every day (the first night I read their "24 hour book" which is where they write all their documentation). The girl that handed the meds said they could get certified for Med techs, but she's not certified... yet. In my Cna class we were instructed to NEVER deal with meds, at all. I'm in California, just for clarification.

And apparently this lady has done this to someone else.. hired them on the spot and had them sink or swim in 2 days. Umm no :-/

Sigh..

Good for you for trusting what you know is right.

Oh, yeah and by the way, I did NOT get a drug test. It would have been clean anyways, but still. Again, thanks everyone for your opinions and input!

Now back to the job hunt!

I had this experience once. It is a red flag that they do not have a wait period for drug testing, background checks, and an orientation so that new staff learns the rope. Most places like these have a high turnover that lacks in patient care. You did the right thing OP.

Assisted living does not necessarily require a nurse, the caregiver program is about 104 hours if certified, with about 16 hours of training in assisting people with their medications and setting up plans of care, A CNA can take a bridge class of 22 hours to become double certified in care giving and as a CNA. Generally if someone is in assisted living they care for themselves with some assistance. You were right to leave, you did not have the understanding of the role nor were you oriented for the role. When you think of caregiver, think of visiting angels same idea, and in great need. I just started the care giver program at our college, I have a CNA, caregiver and bridge program for CNA to care giver, I also have the LPN program, all these programs are growing in need throughout the country. You would be good to find a bridge program so you could do both roles.

How sad for the patients. Having unqualified staff caring for them despite the money the facility is getting paid to provide safe oversight and care. OP you were right to leave.

Regarding the asking about pay during the interview... I have ALWAYS been told this is a no-no. They may bring it up during the initial interview. If they are having people come back for 2nd interviews it is usually discussed then. If nothing else, when HR or the hiring manager offers the position they should be able to state the pay.

Yes, but in those states that "med aide" must be supervised by a nurse and there was no nurse on duty.

In my state, ...and I know also in Michigan, you CAN pass medications in an assisted living facility once you become med certified without a nurse on duty. There must be a nurse employed by the facility but not present on site 24 hrs.