Nursing Home Geriatric nursing

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2016

I liked several aspects about my favorite jobs, such as:

1. Tolerable work environment

2. Coworkers who were pleasant to be around

3. Managers who actually backed up the staff

4. Competitive pay

5. Recognition of my abilities as a clinician

taivin · Dec 24, 2016

I was an MDS coordinator at one for over a year, and I was allowed to make my own hours. I ended up having to move or I would still be there. Out of 3 LTC/SNF places I have worked; that was the only one that was good. The others were target prone; you know...the target on your back. Good luck to your friend.

amoLucia · Dec 24, 2016

When other departments are working well, like dietary/laundry and maint, the whole overall facility work well. It's a trickle down and spread out effect.

Everybody benefits. And I believe nursing reaps much of the benefits in its working atmosphere.

Sadiem · Dec 24, 2016

I agree that the people are the most important part of the job. When back-biting and gossiping is prevalent; and the boss doesn't stand behind you it makes for a difficult experience. I worked as a pool nurse once and one of the other pool nurses got so jealous because she actually lost overtime hours. She started spreading rumors and even yelled out in a group, "you can't just come here and start getting all those hours! Those are my hours!" Behind my back she tried to sabotage my work. It was awful. One of the things I tell any new nurse is don't talk to anyone too much. Words get twisted. Do a good job and be nice and helpful to everyone.

caliotter3 · Dec 24, 2016

The best job I had was where a Director of Nurses held high standards and there was some recognition, although not an overabundance, for providing good care and being a good employee. When that Director left, there was a marked change to the typical "let it slide" approach. Very noticeable.

Sadiem · Dec 25, 2016

Totally agree. I always say everything about qualities starts and ends with the DON's leadership! So many of them become DON's with little notice and no preparation . That's what happened to me. The Don hired me as the infection control nurse and on my third day told me she had resigned. After 2 weeks she was gone and I became the interim DON. Interim turned into permanent because the NHA liked my leadership and didn't want to hire anyone else. The reason I survived is because I had taken leadership (one class) in BSN school. I had just graduated from a Christian leadership program to lead churches. That saved me!

Leonardo Del Toro, RN · Dec 25, 2016

One of the most telling signs of a bad nursing home is the size. Places that are over 50 beds have a tendency to be hard places to work for. Not always but places with less than 35 beds are usually more cozy and personable. Some of these huge places are simply horrible. No only for the workers but for the residents/patients too.

Sadiem · Dec 26, 2016

I have worked in sizes from 21 beds to over 400. I Liked the 125 bed ones ok. My absolute favorite as a DON was the 42 bed one. I was able to build a personal relationship with every employee in all departments, every resident, and family members who visited often. The NHA let me run the nursing department the way that was best for all staff and residents. All the variables worked together positively for a dream job! So sad when I moved away..

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2016

Moved to the Geriatric / LTC Nursing forum for more replies.

Sadiem · Dec 27, 2016

Thanks

allnurses Guide · Dec 28, 2016

I worked in a facility once that had about 100 beds. It was for profit but

I believe the company that owned it was a smaller one. Staffing was great.

Supplies were plentiful. The staff always behaved as though they genuinely

cared for the residents. The facility was clean. I liked it. It had its

down sides too, including low pay, and I ended up having to leave.