| We have all read the story of the Lady with the Lamp. However, it is only when we encounter nurses in the course of our illness or those of our near and dear ones that we realize how important their work is. A majority of staff in the nursing homes across the United States are nursing staff. They are categorized into Certified Nurse Assistants/Aides (CNAs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). A majority of nurses in the United States are females, often single mothers or immigrants. They choose the work because jobs are plentiful and offer flexible working hours. A nurse's task involves taking care of the patient's day to day needs at the nursing home including transferring the patient to and from the bed, providing and removing the bed pan, cleaning the patient, administering injections, and helping the patient consume food and medicines. Nurses also assist doctors during operation. Therefore, their profession demands that they continuously stand during an operation or walk about continuously for hours doing patient rounds. In addition, they have to lift patients, often manually from their beds. Therefore, they have to be agile and fit. As nursing homes provide round the clock service, they have to be ready to work weekends, nights, and holidays. In the case of an emergency or staff shortage, they may be asked to do double shifts. The problems associated with nursing include poor pay, long hours, night shifts, limited advancement, and occupational hazards. Nursing homes often face shortage of CNAs because they are paid the lowest among nurses. The low pay possibly stems from the fact that CNAs do not require high school certificate unlike the other categories of nurses. However, if they work in Medicare and Medicaid-certified institutions they need to undergo training and pass a test within four months of work. Long hours and night shifts often take a toll on the health of nurses. In addition, the need to lift patients causes back injury. Regular use of rubber gloves can trigger latex allergy. Exposure to infections and diseases is another occupational hazard. Handling infirm and sometimes violent patients on a routine basis can cause emotional stress. Apart from nursing jobs, other categories of jobs in nursing homes include office and administrative support. Some of the employees in these jobs have a degree in health care administration, while others have a general degree. The profession of a nurse is as noble as that of a doctor. If you enjoy working with and for people, nursing can be a good career option. Remember to wear a smile on your face always cause cheerfulness can do wonders for patients' and your health alike. |
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