nursing assistant

licensed practical nurse

cook

dining room supervisor

care manager

The Forest At Duke

My career now spans close to 20 years, and in that time, I've never found a workplace or a role so satisfying as what I've found at The Forest. I don't get the "Sunday Scaries"—that anxiety so many people feel before returning to work on a Monday. Instead, I look forward to going back to the office and engaging in my responsibilities. I sincerely appreciate that the directors and management recognize my skillset and not only put it to good use, but show me appreciation for my efforts in the process. Every day is different, and I love the variety of what I might be asked to do to help our organization accomplish its goals.

Above all, though, the best part of the job is the people; we have such a terrific spread of exceptional team members and extraordinary residents, all of whom make coming to work worth it! I appreciate the many opportunities afforded to me here and hope to continue working as a Forester for many years to come. This place indeed feels like a second home, and the residents and team members are like my extended family. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to say that!

A normal day at work would start off by getting residents dress and cleaned up for the day. They would receive their breakfast in the dining room and then set up for daily activities that normally included exercise class, art class, or  "the daily news" where co-workers from the activities department would come and read the news paper. Lunch would be served at noon and afterwards, the majority of the residents would lie down for an afternoon nap. My shift was normally 7a to 3p. The co-workers worked together as a team to make sure that every task was completed before 3p. I noticed and agreed that most of the employees considered each other family  more than just co-workers being that we spent a lot of time together. 

The hardest part of my job was getting so close to the residents and having to let go when they would die. Even though I considered this the hardest part of my job, the most enjoyable part of my job was being able to make life a lot easier for them so they could enjoy their remaining years.

The company overall is enjoyable, however, the amount of jealously within the hr department amongst one another is ludacris. Particularly the hr manager, if you don't look & act like her, then she treats you pretty poorly. The best thing that was every in the hr department was the previous director . Additionally, the best thing since the prior director was the new ta&rm, that due to severe  unappreciation and jealously, was shortly let go. She truly knew what it meant to ultimately be successful and treat team members in the most professional manner.I just enjoyed how professional she dressed and treated everyone with the utmost professionalism. I am assured that her skills will be better appreciated elsewhere. It would be a refreshing feeling to once go to that department and not be judged based off the color of your skin. The executive leadership team needs to do a better job about treating everyone equally, regardless of the color of your skin.

Been here 5 1/2 years. Pretty good steady job and great honestly for a Retirement Community. I’ve moved up rapidly in the years I’ve been here and had proper guidance to help with that. Over all after giving my all I feel like I got the short end of the stick. There is no trust level from the higher up management. They will get what they want then let you go! It’s not right nor is it fair but it’s alright. This place has a family atmosphere when we all work together. Just watch yourself because you’ll get thrown under the bus more times then most for litter things. Kitchen staff has a great core group and can go places so if you are wanting to become Sous Chef, please make sure you are a leader that can lead properly and respectfully. Good Luck!!!

I enjoy my work at TFAD.  It has been good to me and my family.  Coworkers really look out for each other and good (but professional) relationships are formed.  We have a good team. The residents--by and large--are very supportive and really seem to have a genuine interests in the lives of each other and staff members.  It's a great size community for that kind of interaction.  Not every resident or staff member will be happy with every decision and there can often be a vocal minority when something is disliked.  It can be a challenge, as in any service relationship, but if you learn to listen and hear what the genuine concern is, good ideas and services can come of that.

Although I enjoyed the people I worked with and I loved working with the residents, management was awful. They were rude and disrespectful and expected you to work short staffed without complaint. As a nurse, I am used to working hard but on a day to day basis, requirements changed as to what was expected of me and the people I supervised. Now if you were part of the management clique you were good to go. The DON is a joke and does not know how to effectively manage, as long as she is there, they will not be able to keep good nurses and CNA's. Hopefully management will wise up and put people in places that they actually belong in and in the case of the DON, it is the other side of the door!

A typical day at work is family orientated. Sharing moments from home and getting to know the residents and their many achievements. In the eight years that I have been employed at The Forest At Duke I have learned to love what I do, I have a passion for great service and satisfying customer to the best of my ability.  I have learned to solve problems with a smile and make sure my employees have the right training to provide great customer service as well. The management team is very fair and open to new and exciting ideas. The hardest part of my job is being able to juggle my work schedule with my home schedule, the hours are very long and uncompromising.

It is a great place to work, especially if it is your first time as a nurse doing long-term care. It gives you the chance to really learn the computer systems used in long-term care. Cleaner environment than almost all the nurses homes that I’ve worked in previously. And the low patient to staff ratio is ideal. Majority of your supplies are in stock. Some coworkers are very nice and helpful. Tuition reimbursement program is good. The pay is horrible. Dealing with these people who feel entitled can be extremely frustrating. 

Treat all employee equal do not discriminate.  Respect is very important do not over look, we are all equal no one is special than others , allow other employees take there vacation some of  them leave very far from home and it takes them an year to save their time to travel give them opportunity to travel and spend time with their loved once. Allow employees take vacation do not choose who goes when it's their write to take vacation any time of year not according to company benefit (saying we don't have enough help so you can't all go.)

Administration overly involved in nursing functions and roles. People pleasing work environment with no set standards. Expectations changes from employee to employee, and can be easily manipulated if a patient complains enough. Some people are allowed to do certain things that others are not. Too many “managers”, but no coordination of rules or communication between departments. Policy and procedures change almost weekly. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Nursing assistant 3 salaries reported	$20.33 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 2 salaries reported	$32.75 per hour
Cook 2 salaries reported	$18.58 per hour
Dining room supervisor 1 salary reported	$22.50 per hour
Care manager 1 salary reported	$31.38 per hour

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