Going the extra mile always counts

Charleswood

Working in long-term care as long as I have, I have observed that many residents and staff share a natural bond. Residents come to trust staff members they see every day and who take care of them.

Many staff work in nursing homes because they have an interest in geriatrics; some think it is less stressful than working in acute care. However, long-term care has changed a lot since I first started out in Ontario. Residents come in much older and are often ill with several comorbidities. Along with this comes an inability to participate in activities, to come to the dining room for meals or to self-direct their care.

Many residents are admitted with acute-care needs, but the resources and staffing here are far different than in hospitals. In addition, many families carry high expectations of what can actually be delivered.

My recommendation to any families considering long-term care for loved ones would be to visit the facility and take a tour – that will enable them to learn what services are provided so there are no surprises.

While few to no residents demand to be placed in a nursing home, many adjust well and the care that staff provides can go a long way to easing the transition. That said, work culture in most places of employment venues has changed a lot since I entered the workforce. Of course, many of us are much older than those entering the workforce but there has definitely been a shift of attitudes and priorities — there is greater apathy and less commitment, and integrity.

To me, you should give it your all, whether your supervisor is there or not. You shouldn’t have to be told to do your basic duties. Going the extra mile always pays off in gratitude, positively affecting another individual, and enhances your well-being – and this goes for any workplace.

For me in my job, it’s about providing extras to residents as I am able – whether that’s letting them visit with my dog Kailee, getting a cup of coffee for someone, decorating my office door, putting on some nice music, encouraging them to go outside because it’s a nice day or cleaning their eyeglasses to help make their day a little better. I know that if I was in the same position as our residents, I would appreciate someone helping me out a little to make things more comfortable.

Many staff I know go the extra distance for residents and families. Working in health-care is very stressful, no matter whether it’s in acute or long-term care. The key to a successful career is to feel good about the job you have done.

Throughout our lives, we have encountered special people who made us feel good and special or put our minds at ease. Thank you to all my colleagues for all their special efforts!