Non-Profit Versus For-Profit Senior Care Jobs - The Pros and Cons

If you're interested in pursuing senior care jobs, one decision that you're going to have to make is whether to work for a non-profit or a for-profit organization. Many assisted living jobs fall within the non-profit sector; but just as many long term care jobs fall within a for-profit sector. Like anything else, there are definite pros and cons associated with either work environment. The best way to find the nursing home administrator jobs that are right for you is figuring out what the drawbacks and advantages of working for non-profits and for-profit organizations are - then zeroing in on one or the other. An overview of the pluses and minuses of each is outlined below.

Non-Profit Senior Care Jobs

There are many benefits associated with a nursing home job in the non-profit sector. Non-profit organizations tend to offer great benefits, especially if they've been around for a while. The waiting period for qualifying for those benefits tends to be shorter than it is within for-profit companies. The atmosphere at non-profit assisted living jobs tends to be laid back; if you like a less stressful environment and slower pace, this type of job may be right for you.

Of course, a non-profit nursing home job has its drawbacks. Salaries tend to be quite a bit lower than they are at for-profit organizations. The same RN job at a non-profit may bring in a salary that's 25% less than at a for-profit corporation. That being said, jobs for nurse practitioner within a non-profit usually offer great perks like topnotch benefits and plenty of paid vacation time. For many people, those perks offset the lower salary enough to make working an RN job at a non-profit worth it.

For-Profit Senior Care Jobs

One of the big pluses of working at a for-profit company is a higher salary. Most of the time, jobs for nurse practitioner at for-profit organizations come with significantly higher salaries than their non-profit counterparts.

There are many more opportunities to earn a competitive salary at a for-profit nursing home or assisted living facility, like a nursing home administrator jobs. While there are usually great health care benefits and other perks, you'll usually have a longer "probationary period" to wait through before you can start enjoying them. Finally, for-profit companies tend to have more regimented environments and atmospheres; procedures and protocol tend to be highly important. This is worth keeping in mind if you don't do well in such environments.

Another item worth noting is the overall intent of the organization and their philosophy toward elder care. Often this alone is a topic that can ignite passion in whomever you speak with. Some people feel that for-profits are always looking for ways to make more money and therefore cutting corners on the care that they provide their patients or residents. Other people feel that not-for-profits are frequently underfunded and thus never have enough staff for proper resident care. In reality, both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations still have to meet their bills and do their best to acquire appropriate funding. This means that the deciding factor on the overall philosophy of care is typically generated by Executive Management and not the tax-filing status of the organization.

Needless to say, some people will prefer the experience of working for a non-profit senior care facility; others will feel more comfortable in a for-profit environment. Consider both options then focus on the type of facility that is right for you.