Career Guide: Working as a Nurse in a Nursing Home
Guide to Careers: Nursing in Elderly Care Facilities
As the aging population continues to grow, nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care for older adults. These facilities ensure residents receive both medical and personal support of high quality.
Nursing homes employ a variety of professionals to maintain their healthcare standards. Skilled nursing staff, especially those with a focus on geriatric care, are key to the nursing home team. This career path can be rewarding, offering opportunities to connect closely with residents and develop meaningful relationships.
In this guide, we will discuss:
- Duties and experiences in a nursing home - Benefits and challenges of the role - Pay scale for registered nurses (RNs) in nursing homes - Everyday responsibilities of nurses in these settings - Skills and qualifications necessary for a nursing home position
Working in an Elderly Care Facility
Nursing homes require nurses with different qualifications to meet their residents' needs. Registered nurses (RNs) are the most prominent figures in these settings, working with licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to provide care.
Some facilities may also include nurse practitioners (NPs) in their team, who have advanced training to diagnose and prescribe treatments.
Pros and Cons of Nursing Home Employment
As with any job, working in a nursing home has its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros: Cons: - Collaborative environment - Repetitive routine - Job security - Salaries may be modest - Varied nursing tasks - Less competitive than hospitals - Opportunities to enhance pharmacology knowledge - Requires specialization - Learning from residents' stories - Some residents can be challenging
Salary for Nursing Home RNs
The average salary for nursing home RNs is about $65,215 annually, though it varies by location.
Nursing homes often offer competitive wages for experienced nurses. Salaries generally increase with advanced roles and responsibilities.
Daily Responsibilities in Nursing Homes
Responsibilities differ based on the position. Typical duties in a nursing home include:
- Creating treatment plans - Administering medication - Checking vital signs - Giving injections - Applying bandages - Drawing blood - Setting up IVs
An RN may hold the role of Charge Nurse, overseeing residents' health and supervising staff. They also communicate with residents' families about health updates.
LPNs and CNAs carry out tasks assigned by the Charge Nurse, with LPNs providing direct care and CNAs assisting with daily activities. RNs might also work as floor nurses, collaborating with the care team.
Skills for Nursing in Care Facilities
Nurses in these settings provide routine care for older adults and should have geriatric nursing training. They need strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of their unique responsibilities.
Key traits for nursing home nurses include:
1. Strong communication skills
Connecting with patients is essential. Building trust with residents and families is crucial.
Older adults may face communication barriers like hearing loss or cognitive decline. Nurses must listen, interpret, and respond effectively.
Observing changes in body language can help identify issues such as discomfort or mood changes.
2. Patience and empathy
Patience is key in providing quality care. Elderly residents might be uncooperative due to frustration or cognitive issues.
Responding with empathy helps create a supportive environment, fostering trust between staff and residents.
3. Teamwork
Collaboration is vital to delivering high-quality care. Nurses work with healthcare providers, therapists, dietitians, and social workers to support residents' well-being.
4. Planning skills
RNs implement and oversee care plans, ensuring medication is administered correctly and adapting plans to residents' changing needs.
5. Problem-solving
Nurses must identify unusual changes in residents' health and consult with healthcare professionals as needed. RNs with geriatric training are well-equipped to handle complex care needs.
Conclusion: Is Nursing Home Work Right for You?
In conclusion, working as a geriatric nurse can be demanding but fulfilling. Caring for older adults requires patience and resilience, offering the chance to form lasting bonds with residents and colleagues. Consider the profession's challenges before deciding if a nursing home is the right place for your career growth.
