nursing assistant

registered nurse

line cook

server

licensed practical nurse

Erickson Senior Living

When I first started working at Wind Crest it was an amazing job with great benefits, great pay, great EMS experience, and a great team. Now, there is a new manager who presents herself as an EMT with a lot of experience in medicine. However, she is far from that. She and all of Wind Crest admin do not follow their own culture of the Erickson 7 Values and they are all about micromanagement. Our manager takes a radio home every night to listen to the transmissions prior to her falling asleep. They have recently told us to withhold critical information from patient care reports because it could lead to litigation, have told us that we can't use commonly accepted medical abbreviations (ex: SOB for shortness of breath), they have told us, as EMTs, that we can't talk to our own medical director, and they are falsifying documents. People are getting fired for following protocols and Denver Metro Protocols. They make things up in order to discipline their staff members or fire them.

This company has become so unethical that the majority of the EMTs on staff are looking for new work and will be jumping ship soon. This partially due to the fact that there is no room for advancement. Our own management has told highly qualified individuals that are on staff that they do not fit what they are looking for to fill particular positions. In other words, they do not always fall in line with corporate. The last person to not fall inline with corporate was a 7 year employee who was never in trouble until the new management arrived and then was terminated 3 months later for simply asking questions and looking out for his staff. 

I advise you that this is no longer a company that you want to work for as an EMT. At first, I raved about this company and how great it is for new EMTs out of school. Now, I try and shy away as many people as I can in order to save them the headache! 

Please, for your sake, do not work here.

Riderwood is a huge village. Worked in food and beverage in the Assisted Living/Skill nursing side as a server. Very stressful environment. Managers are on a different page than the workers. So preoccupied with making the company look good that the concerns of the employees fell on deaf ears (seems like that's the case everywhere idk). We would have to unload and run utensils and dishes through hot hot water with only flimsy plastic gloves to protect our hands from the burning water. Often short staffed so one server per floor per dining room with up to 30 to 40 residents to feed Breakfast lunch and dinner (nurse aides are "supposed" to help serve as well as bus dishes). There was barely space for equipment and carts and often times because the aids were busy doing their duties the server is stuck running back and forth bussing, serving, cleaning, setting up/restocking tables etc. There were helpful supervisors at times but the work was overwhelming. People would quit often. Rules and policies in place set by people who haven't stepped a foot in the dining room or done the job but the workers who are affected are expected to follow said rules while management doesn't. For example technically leftover food isn't supposed to be taken home but management would do so then turn around and chastise employees who were also taking food. A new restaurant opened up across the bridge which was an extension of the assisted living area. In the beginning it was great then shortly after it began to get as overwhelming as the old restaurants. Not enough workers so it would be one supervisor covering multiple floors and one or two servers for the new dining room left to fend for themselves. Instead of maybe closing the dining room and just having meals delivered to the residents rooms management would allow the dining room to be open with only one server and one supervisor  responsible for the whole room. Dining room hours were 4 to 630 however management expected employees to accommodate late parties of up to 6 to 10 guests to be seated even past closing hours which greatly interrupted the flow of things. 

typical day at work
 
In security you never know what’s going to happen, not because of the nuances of the medical world, but because security is the dumping ground for all the other departments, so you’ll be solving last minute problems with next to no notice, and management will not resolve it, and you will be considered a negative employee if you don’t resolve these issues. It can include issues from human recourses, maintenance, general services, and dining. Along with the other jobs you’ll be responsible for. Such as medical emergencies, changing cores and keys, and badge making. 

what you believe you learned

I learned how to work in a corporate world which is an inherent positive. However, I also learned how to not manage people, not through my own mistakes, but through watching and observing my management 

management

If you enjoy being ambushed with random tasks, usually with HR in the room and in an intimidating manner, the management there is for you. Probably the worst part about working here is the management. Very hypocritical, does not hold themselves accountable, and not effective problem solvers, they will also delegate management level tasks to their subordinates with no extra compensation, and take credit when the assignment is complete. 

workplace culture

Outside of security the culture is very fun and warm, however security generally speaking is not allowed to participate in these opportunities, and is treated like a lesser group in the Erickson community. 

the hardest part of the job

The hardest part of the job is the management. No doubt about it. They create more problems then they solve, do not promptly address issues like staffing shortages, and they often use the phrase “I did more with less” and it’s not healthy frankly. 

the most enjoyable part of the job

Working with the elderly and ensuring they have the tools and care to succeed is a worthy endeavor, and a lovely part of the job. To Ericsson’s credit they try harder then most for profit organizations, however the disorganization at the management level hinders this quite often. 


I loved my job at Erickson.  I would wake up grateful to find a position so perfect for me.  I loved it so much, I wouldn't leave until after 8 pm on most days (my choice.  I was not forced by management)  I had a great Manager who then became my Director.  The Director was excellent at communicating with our department.  HR met with each department to promote career growth.  I took advantage of the tuition reimbursement program. I also discussed the interested in relocating to a different Erickson location.  My Director was opened to the idea.

We had annual "town hall meetings".  There, new employees introduced themselves to all of Erickson employees.  It was a great time to put faces to names we have worked with over the phone.  The company also used this time to keep the employees in the loop of the company's status including plans of expansion.

The person promoted to the department Manager was awful.  She had no people skills. nor a college education.  She was jealous and ruthless with one of the employees.  As soon as she discovered I had a degree and was working on my 2nd, the working relationship changed.  She relucted to sign my tuition reimbursement forms.  But, finally did.  Since I was not there for friendship, I was there to do my job, I continue to do so.  (Don't worry, I was informed that Manager is long gone).

All was well until I was diagnosed with a terminal illness.  I was terminated while on medical leave.  My treatments exceeded the FMLA limits.  I was not granted the ability to work from home as another department co-worker who broke her foot.  There were imbalances of special treatment of privileged employees. 

Even with that negative experience, I loved my years at Erickson.  The Co-works (without egos) were pleasant to work with.  HR departments were fantastic to work with.  Senior Management was also great.  If this company has not changed its way of working with the employees, it will be a wonderful career experience.  Definitely apply, do your job, and soar.  Good luck.

Be mindful of your job description where it states, “and other work as assigned”
That means you’ll be doing the work of two or more people, of higher pay grades than yours with no additional compensation or recognition, with no ability to decline.  You are an employee at will.
You’ll be reviewed with every and any excuse to award you the lowest possible ratings as a way to discredit a great performance and lower your raise, which is minimal to say the least.  Usually by your manager who is clueless as to what your job entails or how you perform your duties as management spends 80% of their time in meetings that accomplish nothing.
HR department should post a keep out sign as they do zero to support or empower their employees. Department should be eliminated and managed at corporate level.
Corporate visits are well prepared for and only interact with the same directors at each visit.  They are blind to what goes on at their campuses.  Corporate visitors never randomly speak with residents or staff. EVER.
Residents are lonely, in ill health and not suited for IL living, causing a drain on staff which is always short, in every single department.  Healthy, independent residents are being ignored because employees do not have time to interact with them, which is unfair.  Families are rude, demanding and abusive. 
Management has no vision of what should be done to improve the culture for both residents and staff.  Such a great disconnect. Much money wasted yet none available to reward their best employees.  No effort to retain their best people.  Do not make any attempt to bring an issue to your manager’s attention for correction, you will be out the door.
Residents resigned to the fact that things will not improve and their feedback is not valued.  They fear the same retribution that employees face.
You are not valued here.
Please apply elsewhere.

Unfortunately, like most retirement care jobs in the marketplace, if you don't have to work here then just don't!  All wonderful things are promised to you upon hire but once you get through the v-e-r-y l-o-n-g two week orientation (brain washing), the reality hits hard.  Other reviews have stated the same thing...it all sounds fabulous - person center care, no schedules for the residents, team work, on-going training - but it is anything but.  Huge turnover in both the entry level jobs (CNA's, kitchen staff) and the upper management.  

The Mill Vista building has only been open 7 months and we were told the management is "figuring it out" as they go.  Not fair to the residents who make their homes here, in my opinion.  Understaffed in all areas (resident care, maintenance and kitchen) and using an agency to fill in the staffing holes.  Night CNA's and day CNA's blaming each other for work undone.  Be prepared to not only care for the residents (bathe, toilet, dress) but also clean, do laundry, and serve food and clean up afterwards.  No time left for that "person centered care" we were told so much about.  No managers anywhere to be found if help is needed or to hold anyone accountable.  Activities are far and few between.  I feel great sadness for the residents.  Definitely not getting the care and attention they deserve for the $7000-$9000 per month cost to live there.  

Promised lunch hour or breaks rarely happen.  You will get reprimanded if you bring a water bottle for your personal use.  You are encouraged to eat with the residents (that "person centered care" again) but be prepared to eat your own food even though the kitchen makes more than enough and the left-overs simply get thrown away.  We were told that originally workers were allowed to any extra food, but then it got too expensive per corporate.  Guess it is better to just throw food out?

Bottom line, if management actually cared about those employed or the well-being of the residents, then it might - might - be a decent place to work.

Over my three years of working at Oakcrest, I saw a lot of positive changes and went through a few frustrating corporate decisions that made the wait staff job harder. With the challenges we faced involving new set up changes and different clean up jobs or new safety precautions that may not have been super convenient, we managed to build trust among one another and become a family. When I worked there it was before renovations and we called our restaurant Windows; we were proud to be the top rated restaurant mostly for our buffet style dining experience and our friendly service.We always loved receiving residential feedback, and we took it all to heart. Residents ideas were important to us even for food changes like more variety in desserts. We used to serve the same desserts frequently, but after we got feedback we decided to change our switch out system according to the demands of our residents, whom we loved so much. I took pride in good service, while making personal relationships with residents, learning their orders and preferences. It's personal for them when they get the extra effort of us in situations where a resident ordered hot cocoa, but his hot cocoa had to have 11 marshmallows. We payed attention to detail and that is what made our dining experience unique. Most of all, do not be afraid of change because things are always evolving for the better at the crest. The hardest part of the job is dealing with guests or confused residents but once you get to know those mean visiting relatives or details on those confusing or sick residents you learn quickly how to adjust.  I would recommend working at Oakcrest if you have the patience, ability to adapt and learn quickly, time management, and strength to be a wait staff.

What is the best part of working at the company?
There is no best part. Security officers are doing jobs that they are not supposed to be doing. The morale is down among security officers. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part is that you feel that you don't have any support from management or h.R. Security is doing jobs that they are not supposed to do not suppose as Fixing life finding a television remote fixing blinds This is a independent living facility And the majority calls that they get off are from people who don't To be in the.
Living independent part of the facility

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It's a very toxic environment again.You have no support for management.They don't care about their employees.At least their actions show that they don't. I had a personal incident and it felt like it wasn't address properly that they were inexperienced in that area. I feel no support from upper management. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
My typical day are coming and I just get calls. Getting call for falls and sending people out to hospitals is or should be what we're supposed to do. Someone hurts themselves or someone might need an. Escort to their apartment because they're old enough frail, and we understand that.  But the frustrating party is, we get calls to fix plumbing issues.
 Fixing light bulbs finding remote controls.
 Some people just wanna be catered to that doesn't fall in the lines of security or EMT Job description that's left for housekeeping or maintenance and the majority of the calls that come to us the majority of the time that security addresses are maintenance in-house, maintenance and housekeeping issues.And that's why the morale is so down in the security department

-A Typical Day-
Very fast-paced environment, with a lot of responsibility. There were times were I had 20 residents in the room with me with no outside support. I miss the residents, but I do not miss the constant fear that someone would fall because I was in way over my head.
-What I Learned-
Separate your work and personal life. In working with a small group, I found the gossip to be out of control. My coworkers would fight amongst each other. It was like working in a department full of high school girls.
-Management-
They tried. It seemed a lot of things were brushed under the rug. I did have a great HR rep, though, who went out of her way to advocate for employees to management.
-Workplace Culture-
Like I said, separate your work and personal life. Don't give anyone information about your personal life that they could use against you, or share to other employees. There were some great workers, but within my department, it was cut-throat.
-Hardest Part of the Job-
The lack of support was astonishing. As I said, I would sometimes have 20 residents in the room with no aides or nurses in sight. It was rare I could get an aide on the phone for support. I once pulled the emergency cord when a resident fell and it was at least 5 minutes before I got a response. I constantly felt that I was in way over my head. Also, the pay was horrible. $12 per hour is NOT a living wage. It didn't matter that I have a bachelors degree. The wage was set, end of discussion.
-Most Enjoyable Part of the Job-
The residents. I had the honor to work with some amazing people. I would have stayed longer if the lack of support wasn't so horrible. It's been a few years, but I do still think about the residents I worked with. It's very easy to get invested in their lives.

Well, where does one start, I wanted to (not needing too) work for this company due to reading all about it and thinking it would be a well-rounded position and exposure to an upscale facility. But don't let that deceive your eyes. 
  I went through the orientation, which was a rush and mostly about company philosophy and meeting staff, with minimal on systems or policies and procedures or protocol per floors(1-2-3-4th). Instead, you shadow with various Care Associates/QMAP per floor, which grant you do  okay but still feel short on the true criteria of what's expected from the RN/LPN perspective per each floor. Granted, you're dealing with them regularly while having to answer why you did what you did. Then, when you don't do as they want or should have done..well, you get demoralized over/over and over.  Yes, their's partiality here among staff members, only a few can see when you're attempting  to do what's morally right and  give guidance.  Be prepared for each floor is staffed differently (resident care), and you could just be working harder then want with no breaks or lunches leaving you to be completely exhausted when your  shift is done. Yes, some floors are definitely short-staffed more than others!  Also, look closely at really what floor you desire...it may not be just what you'd be expecting or  considered. 
 The residents here are wonderful, which makes you want to help them though feel for them at the same time knowing it could be BETTER.  In all, I'll miss the residents but not the havoc or inconsistencies or feel like a working dog.  Just know an organization will be out there to truly have standards to build their people while giving constructive guidance and protocols.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Nursing assistant 11 salaries reported	$22.18 per hour
Registered nurse 14 salaries reported	$45.25 per hour
Line cook 23 salaries reported	$21.56 per hour
Server 6 salaries reported	$16.01 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 16 salaries reported	$35.98 per hour

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