Long Term Care Nurses Benefit From Higher Education Too

That's okay! Long-term care nursing is best suited for those individuals who prefer continuity of care and strive to develop lasting relationships with extended stay patients. These compassionate healthcare providers provide patient support and comfort through assistance with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, and also provide skilled medical intervention when needed. These nurses monitor patient status and often gain satisfaction through continued dedication to care during the lengthy road ahead for these patients, instead of seeing a quick recovery, as with many patients dealing with acute medical issues. While the majority of patients seen in these facilities may typically be of an older age, long-term care is not exclusive to geriatric care. Patients of any age may require extended stay and recovery. Examples of patients outside the elderly population needing extended treatment may include those with chronic illness, injury or disability. Long-term care nurses can work in a variety of settings, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities, hospitals, and home care.

Long-term care nurses frequently wear many hats acting as patient advocates, end-of-life care coordinators, active listeners, and much more. Providing such a wide array of services to these multifaceted patients requires nurses to be well-educated on a variety of healthcare topics. To work in a long-term care facility, professional employees must hold licensure as either a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. However, education does not have to stop there, and several opportunities for advancement exist within this growing healthcare sector. Nurses in long-term care facilities can continue on to seek higher education and obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, or even pursue a Doctorate degree (DNP or PhD). There are positions in long-term care at every level of education. Which one is right for you?

Caring for patients with extended stay needs means helping them manage several aspects of their personal life mixed with their healthcare needs. Providing the best possible care in these cases comes with having a wealth of knowledge in the healthcare industry. Being aware of current medical interventions as well as research related to mental well-being and family support interventions can provide a world of difference to the patients you serve. Seeking higher education can provide already knowledgeable and capable nurses with the tools to implement exceptional care standards. Benefits of advancing your degree can also provide increased opportunities for personal growth, overall job satisfaction, career advancement and potentially an increase in wages. Nurses in this specific field are dedicated to taking care of others for extended periods of time. Isn't it time you took care of your own long-term goals as well?

Long-term care nurses provide incredible support to patients and families in a number of ways that go far beyond a single bed bath or one medication administration. These providers are dedicated to serve this extended stay patient population - some lifelong. While the primary focus of this nursing role remains in healthcare, the need for nursing support in many other ways is constant and imperative to patient well-being. Long-term care patients can develop strong bonds and lasting relationships with their nurses. This can become a mutually beneficial space where trust blossoms. Obtaining a higher degree and seeking continuing education can provide long-term care nurses an increased knowledge base, resources, and the capacity to provide patients even more support, comfort and advocacy throughout their healthcare journey. If this rewarding field of multifaceted care paired with daily living assistance is for you, the many benefits of higher education may be too.