The biggest mistake (as far as I'm concerned it was not a mistake) was charting a new admission too well. When I charted new admissions, I'd begin the description at their head and finish at their feet. That way, if they ever wandered away, one could pick them out of a crowd. Social Services loved my charting. DNS did not. I was fired.

My Geriatric/Alzheimer residents were the highlights of my day. The smiling faces, the hugs, and even the occasional tears of sadness and joy made it worth showing up each day. My staff CNA's were second-to-none in the care of these fine folks. This population of residents were the reason I loved nursing and working with them.