Working in a nursing home isn't always easy, but it's a noble and rewarding career choice for those who go down that path. It takes a special kind of person to help residents live the rest of their lives with dignity while they deal with an array of health problems. Your daily responsibilities may be more varied than they would be in another clinical setting, and though you'll work hard while you're there, your hours may be more flexible.
Responsibilities of nursing home nurses
Because they are dealing with residents with varying degrees of health, nurses who work in nursing homes have a range of responsibilities. Though they do take care of a lot of administrative work, they also assess patient health to develop treatment plans with families, supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and aides and administer medications and IV fluids.
Some nurses choose to work in nursing homes because they specialize in certain geriatric-related fields, such as Alzheimer's or post-stroke rehabilitation.
Increased employment opportunities
According to the Mayo Clinic, nursing positions within nursing homes are increasing as the population lives longer. Furthermore, during these tough economic times, hospitals are rushing many elderly patients out of hospital care and into long-term care facilities to reduce costs.
Working in a nursing home offers a lot of flexibility in terms of location and hours worked. Though you may have some unpleasant shift-work, nurses are often only on duty during the day, with just one charge nurse and aides during the night shift. You may still have to work weekends, but the hours generally aren't as demanding as they are in other fields of nursing.
Feel good about what you do
Nursing home staff can leave work every day knowing they're doing important work and helping others in need. Registered nurses in homes or rehabilitation facilities work directly with patient families and be able to give the most individualized care. They have more interaction with family members than those in any other nursing field - except perhaps pediatrics.
There is definitely a lack of quality care available for the elderly in our society. Take a stand and care for those who need it most.
Responsibilities of nursing home nurses
Because they are dealing with residents with varying degrees of health, nurses who work in nursing homes have a range of responsibilities. Though they do take care of a lot of administrative work, they also assess patient health to develop treatment plans with families, supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and aides and administer medications and IV fluids.
Some nurses choose to work in nursing homes because they specialize in certain geriatric-related fields, such as Alzheimer's or post-stroke rehabilitation.
Increased employment opportunities
According to the Mayo Clinic, nursing positions within nursing homes are increasing as the population lives longer. Furthermore, during these tough economic times, hospitals are rushing many elderly patients out of hospital care and into long-term care facilities to reduce costs.
Working in a nursing home offers a lot of flexibility in terms of location and hours worked. Though you may have some unpleasant shift-work, nurses are often only on duty during the day, with just one charge nurse and aides during the night shift. You may still have to work weekends, but the hours generally aren't as demanding as they are in other fields of nursing.
Feel good about what you do
Nursing home staff can leave work every day knowing they're doing important work and helping others in need. Registered nurses in homes or rehabilitation facilities work directly with patient families and be able to give the most individualized care. They have more interaction with family members than those in any other nursing field - except perhaps pediatrics.
There is definitely a lack of quality care available for the elderly in our society. Take a stand and care for those who need it most.
