05-02-2008

As a large segment of the population continues to age, healthcare offers a variety of career paths, especially for those who have a heart for senior care.

Lexington Health Care has been providing services for senior citizens in all levels and stages of life since 1984. Services include both short term and long term care in areas of dementia, respite, hospice, sub-acute services and rehabilitation. In addition, they offer home, hospice and assisted living at their other locations.

Nurses are a vital part of caring for seniors in all these capacities and at many levels. Nurses work as part of a team to provide care for each senior from duties such as patient assessment, creating care plans and working with patients and their families to working with other clinical team members and overseeing staff.

The job environment in these areas haschanged dramatically, according to Jeremy Samatas, director of healthcare development forLexington.

"The staff works in a place that is cheery and equipped with the latest equipment for therapy and rehab. These upgrades make the working environment much more pleasant, and allow staff and residents to feel a sense of unity," he says.

Following multi-million dollar renovations, some patients have private rooms with amenities such as flat screen TVs and WiFi access.

"Many more seniors today are in need of care in a place that feels like home and not a nursing home. The comforts of home create a healing environment to promote health and well being for everyone involved in the process," Samatas says.

Jamie Manke, recruitment manager for Lexington, says there is a growing demand for skilled nurses from entry-level to certified clinical nurses with experience in senior care.

Job opportunities continue to be created around the needs of seniors.

Samatas says staff members need to continue growing their skills and be increasingly focused on the patient's needs.

He says training and setting higher expectations have led to a more well rounded staff.

Lexington also is launching a new customer service division that will create more jobs beginning this year to focus on the patient's experience.

Even within the nursing field there are different ability and career levels from a certified nurse assistant to a registered nurse and licensed practical nurse. At each level the education, background experience and certifications sought by Lexington for a nursing position can vary, but one common factor for all employees is personality, Samatas says.

"We have always fostered the philosophy that if you have the heart, you can teach the hands to do the job," Samatas says.

The challenge throughout the healthcare industry is preventing burnout among staff members because of job demands.

"We have to constantly find ways to motivate staff and keep them focused on the patients needs," Samatas says.

But, when a patient is rehabilitated and able to return home, he says, it offers many rewards.

"There is so much gratitude and excitement that staff feel. Each success story can be linked back to a therapist or nurse's hard work and efforts," he says.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says nursing jobs are expected to grow much faster than average at least through 2016. The BLS sites technological advancement in patient care as well as a growing senior population as part of the reason for growth in the profession.

While salaries may vary, Manke says a starting salary for a nurse at Lexington is typically $27 per hour and can go up to as much as $90,000 with management packages.

For those interested in becoming a nurse, Samatas suggests finding a workplace that is a good fit.

"With all of our locations we give our nurses the opportunity to learn and grow throughout our company," say Manke.

— Careerbuilder Healthcare Profile