Spilling the Tea for New Nurses: Here’s What You Need to Know About Long-Term Care
As an experienced nurse, I have seen the profound impact of dedicated and compassionate nursing on patients' lives. For those of you who are beginning your nursing journey and contemplating a career in Long-Term Care (LTC)/Post-Acute Care, I want to thank you for your commitment to making a difference in people’s lives and offer some insights and words of encouragement.
Dispelling Myths About Long-Term Care Nursing: Don't be fooled by the misconception that long-term care nursing is easy. It's quite the opposite. It requires sharp critical thinking, mental and physical endurance and strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Critical Thinking and Complex Care: Patients in long-term care have complex health issues, requiring nurses to have strong critical thinking skills to analyze situations, discuss with the physician the details of a change in condition and follow up with orders per the physician. Understanding medication management is crucial, including knowing dosages and side effects and working with the patient’s physician to ensure safe patient care.
Nurses Must Champion Staff Cooperation and Communication Skills to Ensure Teamwork: Teamwork is crucial to guarantee that patients receive the best care possible. Teamwork is essential because it encourages cooperation and collaboration among staff, which can improve the work environment and motivate the staff, ensuring high-quality care.
Knowledge, Integrity and Compassion are Key to Ensuring a Positive Patient Experience: Nurses work with the guidance of the Director of Nursing and the facility staff, which includes the interdisciplinary team, to provide care directed by the patient’s physician. You will work closely with clinical and non-clinical staff, patients and their families. Your role involves educating patients and their families about the coordinated plan of care for the road map to return home safely with community assistance as needed. Your knowledge about disease management, compassion, and integrity for your patients is key to a positive patient experience.
Tips for New Long-Term Care Nurses
Acquire Certifications: While not always required, certifications can boost your confidence, improve your patient care skills and enhance teamwork.
Be Curious: Look for information or evidence by asking questions to discover what we might have missed. Curiosity encourages nurses to solve problems and embrace innovation.
Learn Effective Communication Skills: Good communication and collaboration within the healthcare team are vital. They improve care quality and reduce adverse events.
Prioritize and Delegate: Revisit these skills to ensure patient care is not compromised.
Ending Thoughts to Your New Beginnings
Choosing the right nursing path involves considering your skills and passions. The demand for nurses in long-term care is growing. This field offers a gratifying experience where you can make a significant difference in patients' lives.
Welcome to the world of long-term care nursing. It’s a challenging but immensely fulfilling path, and your dedication and compassion will undoubtedly shine through in this vital role. Embrace each day with resilience and empathy, knowing your commitment will have a lasting impact. Remember, I’m here to share my wisdom and help you. Best wishes on your journey into nursing!