yay....finally got a job!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Been out of school 8 mths now,AND FINALLY GOT MY FIRST JOB! The job is at a small alf(assisted living) anyone got any advice? experiences you woud like to share? whAt should I maybe expect? thanks! Michelle:yeah:

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Congrats! I work at an ALF too, its kinda small compared to others in our area (52 residents as of right now). Working at an ALF is somewhat different than a LTC b/c the residents should be able to perform a couple of ADLs but sometimes there will be a resident who requires total care. Also, we're responsible for doing light housekeeping such as the laundry, setting the tables for meals, serving them, cleaning the dishes & making their beds. All in all, working in an ALF is a rewarding experience. Good luck :)

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Congratulations Michelle! I've never done ALF before but hey it's a start. Gain the experience that you need before you move on to something else. Good Luck

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Congratulations Michelle!!:yeah: I worked in a ALF in dementia/memory care and just got my first job in the hospital. I think it was good experience. Like the above poster said most people should be able to do at least a couple of ADLs by themself and yes, we had some total care residents too. I found that where I worked I was needed to remind people when and how to do certain things a lot. Like reminding people that it was their shower day then be there to assist them so that they took their clothes off before they got into the shower :wink2:. You'll come across many different people, personality types and conditions. It will be a great learning experience for you!! :redpinkhe Good luck!

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thanks all for the replies! I cant wait,for now I will only be working"on call" .I looked this place up online(b/c I forgot to ask) and it says it houses 24 residents.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

Congratulations! Working in an ALF is rewarding for you as an employee and for the residents. Not only will you gain experience in a health care environment, you'll also learn about past experiences that they enjoy sharing. But there's a few things I'd like to point out which I'm sure you already know but for those planning to work at an assisted living facility or long term care hospital, these are the golden rules to a happy environment.

1. Avoid Job Drama - I know it's easier said than done but remember you are there to not make "cliques" but to be of services to those in need of assistance with ADLs. Any hostility or gossip creation will be heard by everyone involved and the residents as well. They aren't stupid.

2. Read daily and history logs periodically - So in case of any change at all, prior to reporting it could be in the logs that its due to medication change, death in the family or any of that sort. You don't need to be as a new hire, worked up and in a panic run to the staff nurse and she simply turn to you and say,"It's due to something something ... it's been placed in the logs. Didn't you read it?"

But if the documented change progresses then ...

3. Report any changes - If for some reason it's not listed or a change has been made. Whether its refusal to go to the bathroom or refusal to eat. Report it, because it may be harmless now but it could be harmful later.

4. Remember special diets - Make sure you know the different colors of meal trays to tell the difference styles and if your facility doesn't color code it, make a small note as to who gets what to avoid any allergic reaction or complaint.

5. Observe everything - When bathing make sure you check for any redness, swollen areas or bruising or even skin tears. Observing and reporting any of that sort could and will prevent further complications such as decubitus ulcers, elder abuse caused by other residents or even a fellow co worker or undocumented falls.

6. Encourage fluids as much as you can - When you're done doing your rounds, offer fluids to enhance your relationship with those you tend to. That and during the golden years, you're more likely to develop dehydration. You have absolutely nothing to lose if you offer, it just shows you care about their well being and make for a great past time to get to know people more.

7. Follow the Company guidelines - Just because a seasoned CNA has been their 14+ Years and doesn't follow the rules to make her job easier, doesn't mean you should follow suit. Yes, when you start working anywhere you develop a comfort routine that make your life easier, but in the long run you have all eyes on you, Your boss, fellow co workers, ombudsmen, residents' family members and most of all ... the residents are watching. Be careful!

8. Last but not least, have fun with what you do. It may be challenging but make the best of it. You never know what will happen the next day but atleast when you clock out you can leave feeling tired and happy at the SAME time. Trust me .. it can happen!

Happy Nursing!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.

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I found out today that we have 16 residents so we would only have 8 a peice. I am still VERY upset to find out that the"pay" is minumum freaking wage....no you dont get into this "career" for the money as people point out,but$7.25/hr. is pathetic/ garbage men make waaaaay more....lets compare.pick up garbage/pick up someones/grandma/grandpa/mommy/daddy...hmmmmmmmm

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Specializes in N/A.

Take this job, but only as a space filler until you find a better paying one in the future.

You might want to think about moving to a bigger city or someplace that pays more.....but for now settle in and get a year's worth of experience out of the way......and you'll be much more marketable. :up::nurse:

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I live right at the Florida line in ST.marys Georgia ,we moved here from Jacksonville 3 yrs ago,they pay about $9/hr I think,some places more,actually I am certified in FL. and GA.I will see how this works out and if its too much work load for the money,I'll get a job in jax.

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Congrats on the job! I'm still trying to get my first CNA job, not having much luck at all! The low pay sucks, but think of it as a stepping stone. I know around here, most of the jobs that pay decent want you to have experience. You'll be able to get that experience and then move on!

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CNAMichelle, I am curious if you don't mind, what city are you working/living in?

I am in GA also, in Gainesville and I don't know if that is common pay here or not. (I start my classes at Lanier Tech at Fall Quarter)

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Specializes in Substance Abuse, Mental Health.

Congrats! I work at an ALF straight out of school. I feel blessed b/c some of my coworkers come from a background in nursing homes and they say ALF are much much much better.

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