It is predicted that the population of people in the USA aged 65 years and above will grow to approximately 83.7 million by the year 2050.
This is a huge increase from the statistics of the last study, which was conducted in the year 2012.
The increased elderly population will lead to a trickling down of events; at the top of the list is the known fact that many families with aging loved ones won’t be able to adequately care for their older relatives due to the pressures and demands of their own lives.
To alleviate this widespread problem, nursing facilities are being set up with the aim of providing tender loving care to older people who require support.
If you have been looking for an opportunity to transition into the healthcare industry, now is an excellent time to get yourself certified as a registered nurse who can offer medical services to elderly patients.
This is because the demand for nursing staff will increase in the near future to cater to the increased number of older people in need of personal nursing care and medical assistance.
If you believe that you have the right characteristics and skills to become a nurse, you can click here for more information.
If you are reading this, there’s a high possibility that you have just completed your nursing accreditation program or are simply looking to transition into a nursing profession, and are searching for information about working in a care facility.
This guide is intended to enlighten you on what to expect should you opt to offer your nursing services and skills to a care home catering to older patients.
What Does Working in a Nursing Home Entail?
One good thing about working in a nursing home is that you will develop a sense of belonging as your colleagues and care home residents come to appreciate your hard work.
While nursing roles in other healthcare facilities such as hospitals don’t really allow much time to bond with your patients, working in a nursing home will allow you to form a bond and a comprehensive understanding of your patients’ needs, since you are providing long-term care. It is important to note that your interdisciplinary medical prowess will be put to the test, as you will be fulfilling duties such as social work, physical therapy, and occupational therapy among many other assigned tasks that your senior nursing supervisor may deem fit.
If you happen to have concerns about job security while working in a nursing home, I am here to tell you that you don’t have to worry; it’s a stable profession that offers many perks in comparison to other healthcare careers.
The fact that you will be working in a senior living community as opposed to a traditional hospital shouldn’t act as a source of discouragement, as there’s no difference in the medical knowledge required.
In a nutshell, working as a senior living care home nurse is an excellent choice that can empower you to quickly grow and advance in your profession.
3 Top Tips to Help Nurses and Healthcare Workers Thrive in a Care Home Setting
1.Remember to Carry a Pocket-Sized Notebook
If you thought that the days of notetaking were gone, think again.
Working as a nursing caregiver means that you need to have a perfect grasp and understanding of a wealth of medical information, and if that is not enough responsibility, you will also need to remember new information that you come across day-to-day.
Having a notebook to scribble down pieces of information can help, as you can refer to your notes should you encounter moments of forgetfulness.
For example, you wouldn’t want to confuse the prescription of your patients due to forgetfulness, as such a mistake could end up costing the patient their life.
Until you become conversant and develop confidence in your understanding of the senior patients you are assigned to, it’s recommended that you hold onto your notebook for reference. One vital thing to remember when taking notes is that you should only write information related to your tasks or reminders regarding your patient’s care. Under no circumstance should you ever take down a patient’s confidential information.
2.Ensure That You Go Through Your Patient’s Care Plans
Frequently taking the time to re-read a patient’s care plan will help you become familiar with the support that you need to provide them.
If you are uncertain of a particular piece of information, don’t hesitate to confer with your nursing colleagues, because you will be handling many different care plans belonging to different patients.
This will go a long way in helping you to keep on top of your responsibilities, as nursing homes tend to have a fast work environment.
3.Get to Know Your Senior Residents.
Working in a senior living community establishment means that you are part of a family.
In many cases, you will find that you spend more time with your senior living residents than they would hope to spend with their own families and loved ones.
This is to ensure that they can receive prompt attention and medical care assistance within a moment’s notice should they require it. However, as a professional working in a nursing home, it is important to understand that your patients are vulnerable. As much as they wouldn’t want to seek the help of another human being, the inevitabilities of life have forced them to rely on your care.
Taking the time to provide care and reassurance to your senior residents helps to build trust, respect, and a strong bond.
You may see it as unimportant, however, you will soon come to understand why taking time out of your busy schedule to get to know your patients can ultimately make your job a lot easier.
