Long Term Care Nursing: Providing Extended Care for Patients
Introduction:
Long-term care nursing is a critical profession that caters to patients requiring prolonged medical attention due to severe illnesses or injuries. This article explores the significance, responsibilities, skills, career prospects, types, and challenges associated with long-term care nursing.
1. What is Long Term Care in Nursing?
Long-term care nursing involves providing extended care to patients with injuries, disabilities, and severe illnesses. This field is expected to experience significant growth over the next decade, presenting a fulfilling career opportunity for those interested.
2. Responsibilities of Long-Term Care Nurses:
Long-term care nurses focus on providing medical attention to patients who require ongoing care. They serve patients with conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and vascular dementia, as well as elderly individuals in need of continual medical support. Their tasks include vital signs monitoring, medication administration, and implementing various therapies like massages and range-of-motion exercises. Additionally, long-term care nurses assist patients with daily activities, act as sources of support and guidance, and establish lasting connections with patients and their families.
3. Long Term Care Nursing Workplaces:
Long-term care nurses can work in care homes, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, hospitals, and PACE programs dedicated to geriatric patients. The demand for supported care on both cognitive and physical levels has increased, leading to more opportunities for long-term care nurses.
4. Skills Required for Long Term Care Nursing:
Long-term care nurses need excellent assessment, observation, and communication skills. Empathy, proper examination abilities, previous knowledge of long-term care, and experience as medical and surgical nurses are crucial. The capacity to view death as a natural part of life and the ability to form lasting connections with patients and their families are essential attributes, along with strong management and leadership skills.
5. Why is Long Term Care Nursing a Great Career?
Long-term care nursing offers a stable career with rapid expansion due to the aging baby boomer demographic. The profession provides rewarding relationships with patients and colleagues, as well as ample opportunities for growth and experience.
6. Types of Long Term Care in Nursing:
The three common types of long-term care in nursing include:
– Skilled Nursing: Offers continuous medical attention and monitoring for patients with complex needs.
– Assisted Living: Assists elderly individuals with personal care tasks and housework, without round-the-clock nursing care.
– Home Health Care: Provides medical or non-medical assistance to patients within their homes.
7. How to Become a Long Term Care Nurse:
To become a long-term care nurse, one must complete a nursing program, pass the NCLEX, and obtain a nursing license. Further specialization can be achieved by obtaining certifications as a gerontological nurse and developing patient advocacy skills.
8. Challenges of Long Term Care Nursing:
Long-term care nursing faces challenges like the growing rate of patient acuity, shortages of clinical staff members, and limited opportunities for professional growth. However, these challenges present opportunities for improvement and advancement within the field.
Conclusion:
Long-term care nursing is a vital and rewarding profession that offers extended care to patients with severe illnesses or injuries. Nurses in this field play a crucial role in providing compassionate care and building lasting connections with patients and their loved ones. As the demand for long-term care continues to grow, this career path offers stability and ample opportunities for personal and professional development.
