Why you as Nurses choose nursing homes?

MEL101 · Feb 14, 2004

Hi nurses of long term care,
I have a question that will be shared with other nurses who work in nursing homes too.
Why do you choose to work with elderly residents in nursing homes when there are so many other fields in nursing...
Can you states some reasons why? I am only looking for good positive feedback.
Thank you for you time.

Recently I chose to leave a Home Health Agency as a case manager for 70+ pts and field staff caring for them. While case managing in the office I also had the opportunity to be active in the field caring for residents at home and in Assisted Living/Independent Facilities. My visits reminded me that I was fulfilling my need to care for others as well as myself. Their present is our future...I think I should return to geriatric nursing...Thanks for the question and reminding me why I chose this profession....

IowaKaren · Feb 14, 2004

I'm on my last semester of ADN program and have a real interest in working in LTC. I've had many tell me I should work in a hospital setting before doing that, mainly a med/surg floor because that is primarily the floor most elderly come to before entering LTC, etc. Personally, I don't want to work in the hospital but then, I haven't done my preceptorship yet and may change my mind. Mainly, I would like to know my patients for more than three or less days and love the older generation.

Is this the general conscensus of a new RN, start in the hospital before venturing to LTC, Hospice, etc? It is a bit of a dilemma to me.

SWEET P · Feb 18, 2004

I worked in acute care for 13 years before moving to an area where the drive to a hosptial was too far. I decided to give LTC a try, thinking that I would lose my nursing assesment skills and never again feel the adrenalin pumping through my body. WRONG. In a LTC facility you fine tune your assessment skills even more so as you do not have residents, physicians, lab and x-rAY on site to verify your findings. If you are dedicated in being the best possible clinician here is the place to do it.

The most rewarding aspect of LTC however are the relationships you develop with your residents. The experience of genuine Care and Concern validates you as a human being in touch with the needs of others. I will never forget the day a resident called me by name. The point being I had cared for this resident over 12 months and he could never remember my name. My heart Soared the day I heard him call my name. He had no idea of the impact his action had on me.

LTC is very rewarding and full of growth potential. I would recommend it to anyone.QUOTE=Marti Ann]Hi nurses of long term care,

I have a question that will be shared with other nurses who work in nursing homes too.

Why do you choose to work with elderly residents in nursing homes when there are so many other fields in nursing...

Can you states some reasons why? I am only looking for good positive feedback.

Thank you for you time.

tmoorelpn · Feb 20, 2004

I found the hospital setting wasn't my thing so I naturally leaned towards LTC. I also think geriatrics and LTC really is the best fit for my personality. I prefer routine over chaos, to me the hospital atmosphere is chaotic and I can't stand it. I like the slower pace and laid-back atmosphere of LTC. I know every one of my residents and their families. I know everything there is to know about each and every one of them. I can spot the slightest difference in personality or energy level and I feel much more confident as a new nurse in that setting. Plus there is so much that can be learned from the elderly and I just love sitting down with them when I can and just listening to the stories of their life experiences.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2004

Sweet P.... you said it! Another reason... If people like didn't work in LTC who would??

Scares you when you hear people say...they can't cut it in acute so they work LTC..even a few resident's families sometimes think less of LTC nurses... :angryfire after a little bit of straightening out from me they think differently.. :)

blueeyes827 · Feb 21, 2004

Hi! I have worked in many areas of nursing but have been in long term care for the last 10 1/2 years. I loved working with the elderly and trying to make their end times better. You do get to know the families well and you work as a team to make sure they are wll taken care of to the best of our abilities and within the budget we are given. I learn a lot from my residents and also from other staff members who work very hard everyday to help the residents feel loved.

Susan

tmoorelpn · Mar 12, 2004

That's exactly it! There's nothing quite like taking a few minutes to sit and talk with a 95 year resident. They have so much to tell! I enjoy forming relationships with the residents in my care. For many of my residents, the staff is the only people that they see. They don't have any family or if they do have family they live away and don't visit often. I always make it a point to take time out of my busy day to sit and chat with them. Sometimes all that's needed to make them smile is a hug. And I get so much out of that smile and hug as well. :)

Hi! I have worked in many areas of nursing but have been in long term care for the last 10 1/2 years. I loved working with the elderly and trying to make their end times better. You do get to know the families well and you work as a team to make sure they are wll taken care of to the best of our abilities and within the budget we are given. I learn a lot from my residents and also from other staff members who work very hard everyday to help the residents feel loved.
Susan