8 replies to this topic

[hayesmsthing]

I have put ads in the paper, posted in house facility ads on job board and sent letters to churches and neighboring college counselors. It has been 3 months now and still no response. My facility hold an annual job fair in May during National Nursing Home Week. Any suggestions?

[turtle]

It is always difficult to find somone to work just the weekends. Nobody wants to tie up their whole weekend with work when their friends / families are most likely off. Our weekend staff work either Friday / Saturday or Sunday / Monday so that they have at least one weekend day off. Is it possible to rearrange the schedule so that you are not specifically targeting a "weekend" person?

[Treesie]

hayesmsthing, on Feb 26 2008, 09:53 AM, said:

I have put ads in the paper, posted in house facility ads on job board and sent letters to churches and neighboring college counselors. It has been 3 months now and still no response. My facility hold an annual job fair in May during National Nursing Home Week. Any suggestions?

[Treesie]

hayesmsthing, on Feb 26 2008, 09:53 AM, said:

I have put ads in the paper, posted in house facility ads on job board and sent letters to churches and neighboring college counselors. It has been 3 months now and still no response. My facility hold an annual job fair in May during National Nursing Home Week. Any suggestions?

I am currently beginning the Activity Director Class, Mar 9th GHCA and I would be interested in Weekends only, where are you located? cklw18@yahoo.com

[jassina]

My suggestion would be to hire two activity aides, for rotating week-ends. If you are looking at college students, they don't want to be pinned down to every week-end. You are better off looking over your schedule and the staff you may have on board already and see if they would be willing to "volunteer" to work every other week-end.
This will increase your scheduling flexiblity.
Hope this helps.
Jessica

[KatieS]

When looking for an activity assistant, please be sure you do not rule out the more mature applicants. I'm not saying you do this, but even though age discrimination is illegal it does go on all the time. Someone over 50 may be more likely to bring a strong work ethic and stability to the job than a younger worker. From their life experience they have learned many transferable skills that can be applied to the activity profession. They may have experience caring for an aging parent and, therefore, can better relate to the challenges your residents are facing. An older employee may be more likely to have reliable transportation, will probably not have small children, thus eliminating time-off to care for a sick child, and will not need maternity leave!

BTW, have you posted your job opening on the job board of this website? Also, check with any NCCAP representative or MEPAP instructors in your area as they may know of someone looking for a part time position. Also, be sure to network with other AD's in your area and let them know of your needs.

[mashonda]

hayesmsthing, on Feb 26 2008, 10:53 AM, said:

I have put ads in the paper, posted in house facility ads on job board and sent letters to churches and neighboring college counselors. It has been 3 months now and still no response. My facility hold an annual job fair in May during National Nursing Home Week. Any suggestions?

Here's a suggestion. Hopefully i'm not too late. I currently have 2 weekend activity staff. they work alternating weekends. (one works the 1st and 3rd wknd. the other works the 2nd and 4th wknd.) if there is an extra weekend in the month, i give them the option of splitting it up btwn the two of them. however, i normally have one that always volunteers to work the extra weekend.

ask your administrator if it's in the budget to hire two part time people.

[HelenHere]

hayesmsthing, on Feb 26 2008, 10:54 AM, said:

I have put ads in the paper, posted in house facility ads on job board and sent letters to churches and neighboring college counselors. It has been 3 months now and still no response. My facility hold an annual job fair in May during National Nursing Home Week. Any suggestions?

I have just the opposite problem...I can't find weekend work to enter this field! I'm very familiar with facilitating activities because I've been self-employed in providing continuity care for Stroke Victims after they have been discharged from PT/OT/Speech visits. After having some slow seasons and poor responses to my ads, I've decided this year at age 55 to get back to working in a facility: ALF, Nursing Home. No Go!!! No one has the position open long enough. It seems like they hire someone immediately and probably without any experience. Or, if there is a weekend position open, they want you to be available during the week for a call in. Well, I need to make a living. I can't keep my week open just for them. Otherwise, if I could find a weekend's only position, then I would concentrate on taking an online couse for the whole caboodle and get certified. I'm in Pinellas County, Florida. County which contains St. Petersburg, Clearwater.

[LisaRee]

Hi Helen...I may have someone who can help you out. My mother-in-law volunteers at several nursing homes now that she is retired and she just happens to be in the same area you are in. She has been an activity consultant for years and works closely with a few activity directors in your area. Maybe she could help you out.
Email me at LisaReeMV@aol.com

Edited by LisaRee, 25 July 2008 - 09:23 AM.