If you’re considering a career in nursing, there are many different things you can do. All nursing careers include taking care of others, but they’re done in different ways. A brief description of a nurse isn’t enough to encompass all the possible career opportunities. So take some time to learn about registered nurse jobs and how you can apply your particular interests in the job.

If you like working with the elderly, you could apply at a 5-star nursing home and keep them comfortable and happy. You could also work at a hospital by searching for the “best-skilled nursing near me”. If you like to travel, you can also look into travel nursing companies and spend time in various places, taking care of all sorts of people. Or, you might prefer a job behind the scenes. There are many medical companies that need the expertise of nurses.

 

There are many possibilities and you aren’t limited to just one. So, while you might choose a specialization during your education, you should still keep an open mind. You never know when you might be exposed to a new opportunity that might make you rethink your entire career path.

If you or someone in your family needs to spend time in a nursing home, you are probably curious about the level of care and types of services that these facilities provide. Many people don’t realize that nursing homes offer skilled nursing care as well as other important services, such as post-hospitalization care.

In many cases, someone may only need short-term care services, and a skilled nursing facility can provide these as well as long-term care services. Furthermore, depending upon the situation, in-home nursing care can also be provided along with respite and hospice care.

When Does Someone Need Skilled Nursing Care?

When someone needs to spend time in a nursing home, it may be for one or more of the following reasons:

A level of care is needed that cannot be provided at home.

Nursing aids and/or skilled nurses are needed 24 hours a day.

Physical, speech, and occupational therapy is prescribed.

Special care is needed for individuals with serious memory issues such as Alzheimer’s.

 

What Are Other Benefits to Staying in a Skilled Nursing Facility?

In addition to the above services, there are other benefits to staying in a skilled nursing center. Some of these facilities are designed to be community-oriented, and have common areas, kitchens, and other amenities. The difference between these types of nursing homes and other senior living communities, however, is the accessibility to 24-hour medical care.

If you have heard of convalescent homes, they are usually the same as nursing homes. In addition to providing assist with a client’s day-to-day activities, they also provide consistent monitoring of medical conditions. When this is the case, residents are able to receive the skilled medical care that they need along with assistance with bathing, dressing, and physical exercise.

Married couples may also be able to benefit from living in the same skilled nursing facility. While not all nursing homes provide this opportunity, in some cases, a couple may be able to continue living together when they both require skilled nursing care.

What Type of Care and Services are Available?

If someone has been in an accident or is suffering from an illness, they will be able to receive a variety of services during their stay at a skilled nursing facility. These include recommended or mandatory physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies.

What types of Conditions or Illnesses Are Treated in a Nursing Home?

While the reasons for needing to stay in a nursing home will vary, some of these illnesses and chronic conditions may necessitate being under the guidance and care of a skilled nursing facility:

Asthma

Chronic bronchitis

Dementia

Emphysema

Pneumonia

Post-operative care

Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Respite care

Restorative care

Restrictive lung disease

Speech therapy

Various pulmonary disorders

 

What Types of Physical Therapy Do Patients Receive?

The type of physical therapy prescribed by a medical professional will vary from patient-to-patient. Furthermore, the goals for this physical therapy will also tend to vary.

It’s important to know that a physical therapist is a licensed health care professional with a master’s or doctorate degree in this field. Many physical therapists, however, also choose to specialize in order to focus on a specific type of care. Some of the board-certified specializations include the following areas:

Geriatrics

Neurology

Orthopedics

Sports

In general, physical therapy will include some form of exercise. This may include activities such as stretching, core-strengthening exercises, weightlifting, and walking.

A physical therapist will have one or more of the following goals for their clients:

To manage daily activities with greater ease.

To increase mobility.

To relieve pain.

To restore physical function and fitness level.

To assist with recovery after surgeries, accidents, or illnesses.

To develop flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance.

To provide education.

To administer manual therapy such as heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

 

How Physical Therapy Can Make a Significant Difference

When someone follows their physical therapy regimen under the guidance of a physical therapist, they may experience a more rapid recovery. This is important for a person’s quality of life and comfort and can also improve their mental and emotional states.

When skilled nursing care is recommended or required, it’s important to remember that you or your loved ones will be able to receive the quality of care that is needed. Once you are able to transition home, then you may want to have regular visits from a skilled professional in the comfort of your home.