catwalkart

We celebrated by having balloons with the individual names of our Activities Staff,and a Big sign- Recognition of the Activity Department and had a fine dining set up with white table cloths, crystal glasses, beautiful red napkin folds, sparkling non-alcoholic wine, in our Activity Room with a Pot luck Dinner. Each of us received a Thank you card-- We were delighted and it was a good treat...

Dear Frustrated and Depressed: I feel sorry for the situation you are in. If I were you, I would have a meeting with your director first and see if things can be resolved. Sometimes communication plays a big factor in improving the situation. Let her know that the things she said to you have made you feel uncomfortable with statements that she has made that demeaned you and that you would like it to stop, she would most likely become aware of this and maybe work on her actions if she doesn't want to lose you and then go to your administrator if it doesn't get any better. Also talk to your administrator about the original plan he had with you working with the higher functioning residents/ which surely is not the case. Let him know that you had expected to work with the higher functioning based on what they said. Let him know that you are also willing to grow in the field and want to try some new challenges. I would document events that occur and statements that your activity director has made to you that were inappropriate and demeaning. Make sure you put everything in writing. Also before you do any more work at home,don't do anymore unless you are getting paid for it. Let her know how much time you have spent doing this at home and see if they can pay for the extra hours that you have spent doing it or ask if she could give you extra time to get it done. If she cares about your well being and wants to keep you around it will force her to learn to start appreciating you. Make some suggestions about what activities you like doing particularly and also relay what activities the residents themselves want to see in the calendar.There seems to be a lack of communication and appreciation by your boss. Its tough working for someone that doesn't give you praise at work. If you can be a little assertive at times when needed, it will help you to not get walked on. This will be a tough one, and I give you all the credit in the world. It doesn't look like you are happy...Just remember, Not all Activity Directors are as bad as it seems, I have worked with some wonderful bosses and some horrible ones too , in your case. Try to remain calm and think about your options... Always have a backup plan, get your references ready, brush up on your resume,keep your eyes on new opportunities if things do not improve. Start taking classes so you yourself can one day become an Activity Director. That way you can use your own skills and implement the needs of the residents into your own programming in the future. Good Luck and try to keep your head up!!!! catwalkart