bdeherr

I agree with the other posts-I took a nursing home job when I really needed a job, before the nursing shortage, it was my last resort. I fell in love with geriatrics. Just like family! I still do some critical care as my second job, but still love the challenge of LTC. Never dull! Always challenging. But increadibly frustrating at times, due to staffing and lack of respect from those that are not there.

Hate is an emotion. I learned along the way that I hated every new job I started. Hated the staff, hated the policies, hated the work. But after about 2 or 3 months, I really liked it. So I finally decided it was me and not them! Once I realized that, I still thought everything at the new job could be much improved, but the intense feeling was gone. It got less with each new place. [we traveled about so I moved a lot and had a lot of jobs] Hope this helps!

We have pre-written careplans, but also have the opportunity, and are encouraged to, individualize them for our patients. As you are going through your admission process, jot down those areas that will be a particular concern for your patient. Care plans really are valuable!

I work in long term care; often I feel I receive much more than I give from my residents. A heartfelt "thank you" from a 99 year old that is concerned because she has lost a pair of socks, all I did was listen, she found them!...Our endstage Alzheimers resident whose sole, last action when you approached her was to present her forehead to you for a kiss, which was our habit for the last several years....our other Alzheimers resident that "melts in your arm" when you give her a hug, we don't know who she believes we are, we just know she gives her love freely in response to our hug.