This article was originally published on Kaplan Test Prep’s Calling All Nurses
Along with the many challenges RNs face, come immeasurably more benefits. Each month, we check in with nurses themselves to see what drives and inspires them to compassionately care for their clients. After all, RNs deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their efforts.
In this March Edition, we asked three Long Term Care RNs to share what they love about their job. Here are their words of inspiration:
Happy RNs keep an open mind
“At first, I didn’t think I would really like working in a nursing home. It was the first job offer that I received straight out of nursing school, so I accepted the position with the intention of using it as a stepping stone to gain clinical experience. To my surprise, I found myself loving the work I was doing. Working with and caring for seniors and the disabled has been absolutely wonderful! I learn so much from these wise men and women, and they have helped to make me a more humble person. I love the nursing home setting so much, that I have never considered working anywhere else.” —Long Term Care RN of 9 years
Successful RNs thrive on people
“I just adore my residents! The bond that I get to establish with my residents is like that of family, which makes me feel very loved and appreciated, even when I am away from home. I feel blessed each day that I get to care for such well-traveled and wise individuals. The stories they share, and the limitless wealth of knowledge that they possess gives me something to look forward to each day that I am caring for them.” —Long Term Care RN of 15 years
Discovering your demographic niche is key
“Working with elders has been one of the best experiences throughout my long nursing career. I have worked in the ICU, Operating Room, and even the Emergency Department in the beginning of my career. Since I began working in a senior living center, I have been in love with my job. To put it simply, in the acute care setting, I took care of a lot of strangers, but in the long term care setting, I take care of family. My residents will tell you that I have 22 grandmothers and 13 grandfathers—each one giving me the advice that my own grandparents would give. Helping to keep these beautiful men and women happy and healthy brings me great joy, and I look forward to the day that I can have someone do the same for me.” —Long Term Care RN of 31 years
Best Wishes!
-Damion
