Tuesday, March 12, 2013

A Nursing Career in Home Healthcare Versus Nursing Homes


After deciding to pursue LPN jobs or senior care jobs, the next thing that you need to decide is whether to work in an assisted living facility or to provide home healthcare services. For some people, making this decision is easy; for others, it's definitely not. By taking a practical look at a few basic points, you are sure to have an easier time making your decision; the following information can help.

Number of Patients -
The difference here is readily apparent. Home care jobs typically involve working with a single patient for extended periods of time. Some people go around to several homes during the week; still, they are not exposed to as many different people under such circumstances. Nursing home jobs often involve working with large numbers of patients on a daily basis. If the idea of forging strong bonds with your patients appeals to you, then, you might want to go the home healthcare route.

Types of Tasks -
Although you'll generally do the same types of tasks when working home care jobs and nursing home jobs, there are definitely differences between the two arenas. After all, you're going to be caring for a wider array of patients in home health and chances are, many different situations will arise that will require you to take on many different types of tasks. At the same time, you're more likely to take on a caregiver kind of role when you work in home healthcare. If being a nurturing presence sounds appealing to you, home healthcare could be the way to go.

"Office Politics" -
Let's face it, not all of us are cut out for jobs that require us to work closely with others. LPN jobs in senior care facilities typically require you to work with others as a team. There is nothing wrong with not wanting to do so. If you'd rather rely on your own devices most of the time, home healthcare could be a viable option. On the flip side, if working with a team sounds perfect, senior care jobs at nursing homes should be just what you need.

Gaining Experience -
Whether you work home care jobs or nursing home jobs, you will have plenty of opportunities to gain new skills and experience. However, the types of skills and experiences will be a bit different. If you're interested in a "crash course," of sorts, in caring for the elderly, a job at an assisted living facility or skilled nursing home is probably best. If you'd rather ease yourself into this career path, a home healthcare job is ideal. Either way, you'll be embarking on a very worthwhile career.

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