There are many who say "How can you do that?"  When you tell the where you work.  Others say, "It takes a special person to do that kind of work."  Tell us what is good about being a LTC nurse.  We all know the horrors that come with being a LTC nurse.  What is good about it?

I have been in long term care for going on 13 years now.  I love it!  Besides my wonderful family and friends, the residents who I have cared for over that period of time have made my life better.  I couldn't imagine my life without the experiences I've had working in long term care.  From the wise women who have given me sound advice that I have taken to heart, to the gentle-souled men who have shown me-through glimpses into their lives-what true unconditional love is.  When I first went into LTC, I was completely naive...all my life I thought of nurses as men and women who help cure people.  I learned quickly on that sometimes we do make people better, not by curing them, but by making them comfortable and making the last moments of their life as special as they can be.  There are some hard aspects of LTC nursing, dealing with death, grouchy or combative residents, guilt-ridden family members who find flaws in everything, arrogant doctors and sometimes arrogant nurses, abusive staff members and abusive family members...the list could go on...but the one thing that overrides all of that are the moments when you just sit quietly with a resident, no words have to be said, and they reach over and gently pat your hand and smile.  Or when you have a day where everyone is completely joyful and you appreciate it so much because that is a rare day.  Well, sorry for my ramblings...but those are my blessings....

My journey in LTC Nursing started in 1986, a Nursing Assistant in a privately owned nursing "house" with about 10 residents. I worked primarily third shift with another nursing assistant, no nurse in-house but rather was on-call. I have worked in Facilities with 180-200 beds,an MR/DD facility,a prison,assisted living facilities,a county ran facility,etc. It's been interesting to say the least! 

As I look back,one thing stands true..."It's all about the relationships!" One of my Administrators told me this years ago. I believe this to be one of the wisest statements that I have ever been told. 

I know that working in the LTC environment is ever so stressful! Just remember to do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Involve "everyone" of the team members,gather all that information and insight to help obtain the goal of "personalized" care for each individual. Realize that what you feel is most important may not be for that resident and/or family! Open your ears,your eyes and your heart and build that lasting relationship with each resident,family member,employee,etc. You won't regret it!!!!