What does an RN in an assisted living facility do?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi guys! I have an interview for an assisted living facility and I am wondering what the role of an RN is there. I am really looking to enter a hospital, but for now this is the first opportunity that comes my way. What should I expect if I am fortunate enough to land this position?? I've done my research and some literature says this is a relatively new concept of nursing that has emerged within the last 15 years. Any insight and advice would be HIGHLY appreciated.

Thanks so much =)

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Specializes in 1st year Critical Care RN, not CCRN cert.

I worked in one for about a month in my first year of nursing school. Most ALFs are run by the LPN and cna community. The one I worked at was one of the least safe places I have been. Its only saving grace is that it's almost brand new. The don is an LPN and the adon is a pharmacy tech. I work nights and one night I was on, one of the residents was having a stroke and I tried to get the on duty LPN to call an ambulance and she was too scared and left the resident in bed until the next day. I didn't go back after that. Another problem I have with the alf is that cna's pass medications and if they get it wrong it's the nurse that pays for it. The cna is also not supposed to administer the med they are supposed to hand it to the resident and let them put it in their mouth but some will pour the pills in the residents mouth and basically administer Meds. Just not a good place for me. Make sure it's safe while you are working there.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
The don is an LPN and the adon is a pharmacy tech. .

:eek: A pharmacy tech?! Woahhhh.

I worked in an alf for 2 yrs. The RN was usually in a management/supervisory position, and was also "on call" in case of emergencies, the LPN called out, etc...I agree with the previous poster..ALF's can be a VERY tricky place. Watch your back & guard your license at all times.

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Specializes in 1st year Critical Care RN, not CCRN cert.

:eek: A pharmacy tech?! Woahhhh.

I worked in an alf for 2 yrs. The RN was usually in a management/supervisory position, and was also "on call" in case of emergencies, the LPN called out, etc...I agree with the previous poster..ALF's can be a VERY tricky place. Watch your back & guard your license at all times.

Yup and to top it off she was a pharmacy tech in training (not graduated and never worked as one) while I was employed.

Just watch your behind and stick to what you know is right.

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Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.

Depends on what state you are in, plus the ALF can be different than other ALFs. I am an RN--I am essentially a DON. I have a staff of about 30. I am responsible for about 100 residents. My LPNs mostly work the med carts, make sure residents are being cared for and call physicians and make sure all orders are taken off. We have one LPN for ALF, then we also have a SCALF unit (memory care-locked unit). I am responsible to make sure meds/MARS all match, I write care plans monitor staff to make sure everything is being addressed. I spend most of my day making sure that residents needs are being addressed, admissions, doctor visits, new orders, there is just so much that most days I can't get anything done! You'd be surprised how busy you can get, how tired you can get, as well as constantly having to pput out fires all day. I also cover the SCALF unit as well as Independent Livng. Most ALFs do not have licensed or even certified personnel as it is not required in my state, which is nuts.

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This sounds really scary. As a new nurse, I'm terrified I could make an honest mistake and risk my license....

The ALF is in NYC btw

also, I have no other interview opportunities right now, so i figure if they hire me, I should take the chance so I can gain the experience. Is it worth it???

I am really interested in entering emergency nursing or oncology. I feel this is a stepping stone since I am brand new in this wonderful yet demanding career.

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