“Since I have begun working in the nursing home sector, the reality has been in stark contrast to my preconceived ideas about the area.  I have been granted ongoing opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge and clinical skills.  I have attended many course days and hope to continue doing so in the near future.  The sector places a large emphasis on continuing development and education.  From the very beginning I can honestly say that I have experienced many situations that I would not have experienced in an acute setting, and I feel my skills are developing each day.  I am constantly acquiring new skills and competencies. 

Responsibility for a Registered General Nurse (RGN) working in a nursing home is much greater than that of a nurse within an acute hospital.  Within the nursing home environment I must utilise my decision making skills on a daily basis.  There is no typical day when working with the elderly, however there is a structured approach to the day.  My responsibilities include communication to other staff via handover, drug administration, attending to personal hygiene needs, wound care, and liaising with multi-disciplinary team members such as GPs, Public Health Nurses and home care teams.  Also dealing with families and adhering to nursing documentation policies are particularly important responsibilities.

I enjoy building lasting relationships with residents and their families to ensure the highest quality of care is given.  I take pride in the fact that I improve people’s functional and mental status, improve their living environments and quality of life,”