Nursing homes are becoming the new normal. It is said that by 2050, the United States 65+ population will double from what it was in 2012 to 83.7 million. While families would love to care for their aging relatives, they are not always able to do so themselves. That is why nursing homes and long-term care facilities will continue to thrive in the United States and why healthcare professionals’ demand will continue to grow.
We spoke to seasoned CNA’s and Patient Care Technicians to find out why they seek out positions in long-term care positions, and after hearing their thoughts, we can easily see why they choose to work there. Working with geriatrics has its advantages, and it allows you to make a difference in someone’s life truly.
Without further ado, here are our top five benefits to working in a nursing home or other form of long-term care facility.
Benefit 1: You have the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with your patients in a nursing home or long-term care unit.
When you work in a hospital, the patient’s stay is typically short. It gives you the time to meet the patient, possibly get to know them, and then they leave. In a long-term care facility, you are given the opportunity to truly get to know your patients and develop a special relationship with them. In fact, many of the patients you work with will look forward to your interactions with them as it is the highlight of their day. On this front line of caregiving, you are in a position where your special relationship with your patient is uniquely suited to advocate for them. Often without you serving as a liaison between other healthcare workers and your patient, ensuring that your patient’s needs are being effectively communicated and satisfied, there would be no one else to advocate on their behalf.
Benefit 2: When you work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you have the ability to learn a lot from an older generation.
One of the most common benefits cited by those who work with the elderly is that working with older patients can be extremely enlightening. People who have lived full lives have so many beautiful things to share and often good stories to go along with those. They could have had impressive careers, or maybe they made incredible decisions that led them to discover what is actually essential in life? Their tales can be like a hidden time machine, taking you back to a time and place when life was simpler. Listening to your patients can teach you so much, and if you choose to listen, you may just find they have good stories to tell in the process.
Benefit 3: Working in a nursing home or long-term care facility is not a thankless job.
Both elderly and infirmed patients truly need the services you provide, and in completing them, you have an opportunity to make a real difference in their lives. When you work with patients who need basic care, they are known for truly appreciating even the smallest of things that CNA’s or patient care technicians can provide. Maybe you moved their tray closer to their bed, grabbed a magazine for them to reach, or even put lotion on their hands. By assisting them with personal care and helping them to retain their independence, you are providing a crucial service to your patient. Small favors are truly appreciated, which is not always the case when you choose to work in a hospital environment.
Benefit 4: You gain perspective on aging anew when you work in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Aging and dying are difficult concepts for most of us to talk about. You may have aging parents to care for now or in the future, but over time you will need to come to grips with your aging as well. Nothing helps you understand more about what is important in life than seeing others face struggles you do not. When you work with elderly patients, you get practical life experience that helps make aging less frightening. When you choose to work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you are sure to better understand what people are going through as they age. You just might be able to utilize that knowledge to set priorities in your own life and remember to spend time and cherish people who matter most.
Benefit 5: Nursing homes or long-term care facilities typically hire all caring individuals.
Let’s face it; people who work in senior care positions are often individuals who are caring and patient people. They thrive on helping others and really enjoy getting to know their patients. Because of this, getting to know your co-workers can be an incredible opportunity that just might allow them to feel as though they are your extended family. When you care about your patients and coworkers, it makes for an incredible career that you are excited about.
At Total Medical Personnel Staffing, we want you to know that your warm and empathetic presence in patients’ lives can mean the difference between a dismal day and a lovely one. Working in a nursing home or extended care facility has the potential to help you lead a fulfilling career as you are an essential part of long-term care patient’s lives. With the baby boomer population continuing to age, the skills and compassion that professional caregivers provide is incredibly appreciated and will undoubtedly provide you with a career that will continue to be in high demand.
If you would like to learn more about a career in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, the recruiters at Total Medical Personnel Staffing would love to help. Head on over to our home page and fill out the apply now form to let a recruiter know of your interest, and they will get back to you shortly. Your new career is waiting!