Working in a Nursing Homehttp://content.monster.com/articles/3472/18985/1/home.aspx?WT.mc_n=MNL000283 For those of you who get Monster.com's job/occupational newsletters, I got one today regarding someone who wants to spout off about how supposedly rewarding it is working in what's now called ( the politically correct term ) assisted living. Let's call a spade a spade. Any place where old people are sent to live with a bunch of nurses to take care of them until they eventually all die is called a nursing home. The fortunate ones die sooner rather than later. This article is from someone obviously touting the industry, but she's really not working from a hands-on perspective. She's an executive. Far removed from wiping hind ends, cleaning up ####, urine, and all the muck that goes with taking care of people who graudually lose their faculties one at a time. I worked as a security guard in one for almost six years. At times I was asked to " participate " in the clean up process at least twice, in addition to the normal routine of chasing after people like children and making sure they didn't burn themselves with the cigarettes they whine for almost every single day. When I eventually quit the job June 15, 2005 almost two whole years ago, I never regretted the decision. Even after spending that all that time looking for the next job. I just hope this profession doesn't become anything similar to the military. Both are short staffed, and both may try to paint a dececptive picture of the job in order to get people sucked in, knowing even if it's not what it's all cracked up to be, the obvious question is : well if you don't do it, who will? Because it's a dirty job, and someone's gotta do it.
Believe it or not, there are people in this world that do actually enjoy these kinds of jobs. You're not one of them but they do exist. I worked in Special Ed for 10 years with people that even the Special Ed veterans didn't want any part of. I loved it. If it were not for a bad knee and low pay, I'd probably still be in that field. I didn't mind all the things that you're complaining about because I enjoyed the other parts (I won't bother explaining them to you, I'm sure that's a waste of typing). Now being an accountant? In MY book, THAT's the job from hell. As they say, different strokes for different folks.
Tess
I trust you didn't have to wipe anyone's rear end in Special Ed.
They should raise the pay for those working in nursing homes. Many of those who work in the field do it because they care about other people and like to help others. Unfortunately, there are fewer people who really do care about much of anything, like you, xxtwo. It's with attitudes like yours that this world is the way it is. Complaining again about something like this shows you have a lot of time on your hands once again and aren't using it to your best advantage. Hey XT, Que Passe? You're right, that article is a load of BS. Glad to see you're still hanging in there. I trust you didn't have to wipe anyone's rear end in Special Ed.
And you would be incorrect (although I'm sure that surprises no one). And no, I didn't just work with little children either. I worked with people from age 2 through their 70's. And no, I didn't just work with "cute little Down's kids". I worked with people with every kind of physical and mental disability you've ever heard of and many you haven't. And no, I didn't get paid much for it either. In fact I did this sort of work as a volunteer for the better part of 10 years with several stints in paid positions as well. And no, I didn't just work with them for a few hours during the day. I did residental treatment, recreational and education programs. So, yet again, you're showing your incredible ignorance. You don't have to like this kind of job. You don't have to do this kind of job (clearly you're not suited for it), but grow up and understand that SOME people do it and enjoy it and that's who that article is directed towards. Hopefully, you'll never need those services for yourself or someone else you care about and have to be served by someone like yourself.
Tess As someone that's also worked in Special Ed...and help some of these students with toileting assistance needs...I can tell you Tess is telling the truth. Pretty much every public school have these students. I have also worked in a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients. I'm glad the original poster is out of the nursing home field. It's a dirty job...someone does have to do it...and yeah, it's hard. But if you're that burned out on the job, you shouldn't be there. It can also be a surprisingly rewarding experience, giving dignity and life near the "last lap".
The key word is thankfully. Personally I don't expect to live longer that 52, the age my father died himself. Far removed from having to live in any nursing home, having his rear end and mouth routinely wiped. I can imagine some people like yoiu are the exception. Able to go weeks if not years with a smile on your face as you deal with people in various debilitating conditions. I simply know six years of working in one nursing home can do to just about anyone with supposedly the best intentions. Just about anyone of the nursing staff would routinely call in sick, making up some of the most rediculous excuses ranging from dead family to sick children. Pretty convienent if you're a woman. Not so much to the guys, particularly single ones like a few were. I often wonder when these people avoid work as often as they do, are they keep in mind how supposedly rewarding it is working there.
It's no different than had you said if only I had a job, it would shut me up and be a happy person like you, walking around with a rediculous smile on my face. No dice, my friend, even if/when I get a next job.
You're not cut out for that kind of work. Neither am I, but I have the greatest respect for anyone who can perform nursing services in any capacity without complaining. My friend and dance teacher, Terri, is past 60 now. She just fulfilled her life long dream to become a nurse and recently earned her degree after about three years of college - maybe more. She already has enjoyed a few successful careers including teaching line dancing, hairdressing and office support work. However, she always wanted to be a nurse and now she is a nurse. I guess she is a practical nurse and she is looking forward to private duty or hospital work. She originally decided to become a health care aide but after exposure to the courses, she quit her day job and went to school full time to become a nurse. She studied hard and several of her teachers told her that she is the best student that they ever had. When she passes her state boards (she is probably studying for them now), she will be the best nurse she can possibly be. I am so happy for her! What an accomplishment!
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