What Should You Expect As a Nurse in a Nursing Home?

With baby boomers nearing retirement, the need for quality nursing homes is expected to grow by more than 500 percent within the next 8 to 10 years. With more long-term care facilities opening their doors to communities throughout the nation, the need for qualified health care professionals will proportionately increase. If you are a CNA, an LPN, or a RN, consider the advantages of working in a nursing home or long-term care facility. As the fastest-growing part of the healthcare industry, nursing homes offer an opportunity for advancement and increased earning potential. Before you start applying for a position like this you should understand what to expect in the work environment. Decide if this nature of work is right for you and start a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Nursing Assistants Must Be In Shape and Capable of Physical Labor

All nursing assistants must be able to work on their feet. In long-term care facilities, nursing assistants can expect more intensive labor than in hospitals. The primary reason why these positions are more intensive is because a majority of people in long-term care require assistance transferring. CNAs will help lift and transfer patients in addition to performing bed baths and changing bedding while it is occupied. If you are a CNA it is important to understand that CNAs must deal with heavy work and stressful working conditions. The stress and heavy work load are the primary reasons why turnover in nursing homes is so high. Many long-term care facilities will raise wages to encourage nursing assistants to stay as the need for CNAs grows.

Registered Nurses and LPNs

While CNAs do handle heavy lifting, RNs and LPNs may have to perform these duties if an assistant is not available. While the job does sound difficult and many people have the idea that nursing homes and long-term care facilities are depressing, many nurses enter this atmosphere and never want to leave. Nurses who have been in long-term care for more than a decade, state that their job has become their passion. One of the main reasons why registered nurses and LPNs love to work in nursing homes is because they are made part of an interdisciplinary team made up of social workers, physical therapists, dieticians, managers, activity directors and more. The entire team works together to discuss the plan of care for a patient. Compared to hospital environments, nursing homes make nurses an integral part of care for residents.

Another reason why CNAs, RNs, and LPNs find a passion in nursing homes is because of the residents. When you deal with patients who live at the facility you can build a relationship with them. This bond is what keeps nurses in their careers. While building a bond can be difficult in some situations, the friendships you make will create lifelong memories.

Nurses who are employed in nursing homes need to be compassionate and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a stable opportunity that could change your life, consider the benefits of applying for nursing home positions.