Why do you Love LTC?

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Hi Allnurses,

I just wanted to share some great reasons of why we love long term care. I know we all have a lot of reasons we might dislike it, such as the crazy med passes, staffing issues, etc. Some of us seem to stick it out no matter what....like nothing could scare us away from it. :no:

I truly enjoy getting to know the residents, learning their quirky little preferences and having a chance at making a difference in their lives. Being the best I can be and also trying to ensure the highest quality of patient care is an ongoing challenge that I love.

Can you all please share your reasons of why you (hopefully most of the time) love long term care?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I love establishing relationships with the resident and families. The stories, real and imagined, that the residents tell. I feel warm knowing that I am making as difference at the end of a lifespan. I give the best I can give, because God willing, I will live long and healthy, and would like to think someone will give their best for me

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Specializes in LTC.

When a resident comes up to me holds my hand, speaks in a language only she understand and I walk with her down the hall then she looks up at me and smiles. For that moment I was her world and that is one reason I love LTC . I am their caregiver, nurse, advocate and friend....all wrapped into one. I have shed tears of joy and sadness, but wouldn't trade it for the world.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.
When a resident comes up to me holds my hand, speaks in a language only she understand and I walk with her down the hall then she looks up at me and smiles. For that moment I was her world and that is one reason I love LTC . I am their caregiver, nurse, advocate and friend....all wrapped into one. I have shed tears of joy and sadness, but wouldn't trade it for the world.

Yes....we enter their world don't we? :)

It's an honor to get to know them at this part of their journey of life.

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

The residents. Most of them are so precious, so wise and so humble. So often they are left just sitting in the hallway lined up like cattle, staff rushing past, unable to take just a minute to sit and talk due to ever increasing workloads. When I can take a little time to sit and talk, I am usually rewarded with a smile and a story :)

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Yes the story's are great!

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I may want to rip my hair out and run out the door d/t short staffing, behaviors, MDs, admissions and paperwork, but all in all these residents live here, not me, and I get to go home at the end of the day. They worked their whole lives, not knowing that one day they would suffer from chronic illness or terminal diagnoses. Some of them do not have any family, or just wish the end was near. I feel as though they are my family, and doing everything in my power to live their last years in peace is the least I can do for this lovely generation. Just to spend time talking (when you have time) makes the world of difference. Administering all tx's, meds, toileting and changing without skimping d/t time will have you leaving work knowing you did your best to show these residents they are cared for. My residents with the most behavioral issues seem to melt my heart the most, as they cannot help this and the moments when they smile and laugh make my job worth while. Saying good morning to a 95yr old dementia patient and letting them know they are care for makes my life complete.

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