Everybody needs to work in a nursing home

[wildhorses]

for once a serious copy cat thread....






I think is is all about humility...and how some of us need to get some

[hyphenate]

1. Been there, done that

Right after high school, I spent three + years as a nurse's aide in different nursing homes. It gives you a perspective on life that many people will never understand or be able to comprehend. You see people in the waning years of their lives, you see death and you see pain and suffering. But if you interact with these people, you get to know a lot about life, too. If you can help them in any way, you feel as though you have accomplished something, regardless of how small or large it might be.

A true story: this was in the early 70s when I worked. My mom also worked in the same place. One morning, as we were coming home (we worked graveyard), I asked my mom why they didn't allow pets at the nursing home. My mom told me not to be ridiculous. She thought the idea was somewhat preposterous. Of course, I was ahead of my time by some years--pet therapy is now a standard tool in nursing homes, and is a great thing.

I went on to working for a temp agency as an aide, and hated it with a passion. I got the hell out of the business before much more time had passed.

[wildhorses]

2. thanks for sharing

if there is a heaven and we wear crowns...yours will have stars for what you have done






and yes, I had to get out too....it is a SAD situation and was more than I could handle day in dayout....now I work in the ER...go figure:shrug:

[Lars39]

3. I agree.

My husband worked at one when he was 16, mostly helping the elderly men, but also the married couples that were in the same room. The experience stayed with him.

[wildhorses]

12. this is for your husband

:hug: ....and if it leads to bigger and better things....well...you can thank me later

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. I did, for a short time, as an aide.

It was incredibly sad. There were people who never had visitors; people who were so senile they didn't recognize anybody; people who just sat in their wheelchairs and mumbled. Just shoot me....

[wildhorses]

11. bless you

:hug:

[Wapsie B]

5. Honestly, I don't think they should let anyone go into healthcare

Dr. Nurse, X-Ray tech, whatever until they've work at least a year in a nursing home. What a hard thankless job. Facilities will short staff nursing units, doing the work of another employee who has the 3.2 flu after a long weekend is commonplace. Thing is no matter how much they pile on you you only get your standard wage. Plus even in a well-run place the work can be downright depressing.

[wildhorses]

10. so true...

these book smart nurses that are coming out now are a DISGRACE!!! give me an old school nurse anyday!!!

[Wapsie B]

14. Yes I agree.

Going right into a 4-year nursing program without having really worked in the grit and grime is no way to get a real education about healthcare.

[patsimae]

17. Not to judge anyone who has to make that difficult decision, but,

I worked in one for a year and a half while I was in nursing school. I thank God and my parents that we never had to resort to that when they became sick and demented, because the resources were there for me to hire paid caregivers for them. They could stay in the comfort of their home.

[Wapsie B]

18. That was great that you could do that.

I'm concerned about my parents. No dementia but they just don't get around like they used to. Mom was wanting to look into an assisted living facility but dad would have none of it.


goodness where are my manners? Welcome to DU!

[Cobalt Violet]

21. Every nursing student I meet wants to go into NeoNatal Nursing.

I ask what they want to specialize in but I really don't have to since they all say the same thing.

[Wapsie B]

25. Really? Wonder why that is.

I'd think some would be adrenalin junkies and want ICU or Trauma.

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. I don't "work" in one...but I visit them for free. Sometimes, when I

have nothing on the agenda I will visit. I visit those who get no visitors. One of my favorite people to visit, Lola, died around three years ago. It was a difficult experience. I think everyone with spare time and nothing to do with it should visit a nursing home...just to talk.

[wildhorses]

8. God Bless you MrsGrumpy

you are truly an angel here on earth :hug:

[haydukelives]

7. Here

I am a CNA at a long term care center. 2 years ago, when I was 48 I decided to become a nurse. I am now 4 semesters away from a RN. I love working with my residents, and plan to stay after i am a nurse. I will probably spend my 3rd(last?) career

[wildhorses]

9. you story sounds very similar to mine

:pals:

[uppityperson]

20. Congratulations on nursing school

And thanks for staying working in a LTC. It can be very difficult, very frustrating and sad and very rewarding. Helping people have a good life until the end is a good thing to strive for.

[bleedingheart]

13. I volunteered in a hospital for 5 years from age 13 to age 18...

and I can tell you it taught me patience, listening and how to be thankful for what I have...and that was all reinforced when I almost died 9 years ago.

[ismnotwasm]

15. Totally agree

I worked as a nurse in a nursing home for eleven years before going on to acute care. The reason I left is to get more education, and come back to kick some govenment BUTT. (Actually, I want to work as a nurse advocate, probably will end up in community health, but I'm joining the right organizations, and plotting out what I need to know)

Assholes.
Cutting back benefits for old folks,the disabled and vets. Punitive surveys that do nothing to improve the quality of life for residents. Long term care is my first love, and it's a huge part of who I am today and I'm a much better nurse for it.

One of the more profound honors I've been blessed with in my entire life is to be the one holding the hand of a dying elderly person-- an entire life lived-- as they take their last breaths. You imagine them as a baby, as a young man or woman. Mothers, fathers, soldiers, workers. Puts life in persective in a way nothing else can.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

16. I was forced to for community service once. It turned out to be quite

rewarding.

I agree with you :)

[Rabrrrrrr]

19. And to see how poorly so many of them are run,

and how negligent to their patients.

I hate going into nursing homes - it's all sadness, agony, and sometimes even meanness. Not all, of course, but as I am involved in more and more nursing homes, I am increasingly appalled at how many are run poorly, offer shitty care, and are abusive to their patients.

[xmas74]

22. Working in one right now.

Another good one is a state mental hospital. I did that for almost five years. It changes your perspective on life.

[0007]

23. Aphasia and Hospice clients or patients, will bring one home real fast.

The difference between the nursing home work and the volunteer work is one you receive a stipend and the other you don't.

I agree humility is certainly needed, But most nursing home workers don't seem to have it yet. It only for the money.

[Redstone]

24. People who work in nursing homes and hospices are saints.

Redstone

[RevCheesehead]

26. They are definately some of the hardest working people on earth.

What impresses me is when the staff take the time to really get to know the people. I rely on them for information, especially if the person's family lives far away.

I think it is some of the hardest work, but if done with the right attitude and perspective, it can also be the most rewarding of jobs.

O8)

[NMMNG]

27. Done that

I worked in one for nearly two years. It was difficult, considering I was the only person there for 24 patients, but rewarding nonetheless.

I think everyone should work in, or spend some time visiting nursing homes or facilities for people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. Then they might rethink how tax dollars and other resources are alloted to these people who are basically thrown away by society.

[aquaman]

28. I worked in one as a social worker.....

Incredible experience, without question gives you a different outlook on things. I work with kids now but will never forget working with older folks.

[Fox Mulder]

29. I worked in one about six years ago.

When I was in high school. I worked in the kitchen for two years. Best job I ever had.