What is it like to work in a skilled nursing facility?

Skilled nursing facilities serve many purposes, from long-term elderly care to transitional care for patients who have been hospitalized and need additional care before returning to independent living. Both short- and long-term residents of skilled nursing facilities benefit from the comprehensive approach to treatment and compassionate care of experienced professionals. If you are a nurse, physical or occupational therapist, or other medical professional interested in working at a skilled nursing facility, here’s a brief summary of what you can expect:

Odd but flexible hours

Skilled nursing facilities require 24-hour staffing, and while few shifts fit into a typical 9-to-5 schedule, the flexibility in choosing early-morning, late-afternoon, or overnight shifts is attractive for many workers. Some facilities even offer longer shifts at fewer days a week. 

Unpredictable days

Because skilled nursing facilities serve many types of patients with various conditions, day-to-day duties can be unpredictable. Some patients struggle physically, others cognitively, and some fall into both categories. This means there’s never a dull moment on shift, and even performing the same duties on different patients can offer different experiences.

Teamwork and camaraderie

Skilled nursing facilities employ a wide range of professionals, from social workers to dietitians to registered nurses. Everyone on staff is considered a crucial member of the overall team, and having colleagues who understand the specific joys and stresses of working in a skilled nursing facility provides the kind of camaraderie that helps make stressful days more enjoyable.

Endless opportunities to learn

Due to the wide variance in medical conditions and patient profiles, skilled nursing facilities offer endless opportunities to learn new skills and techniques from colleagues. While medical professionals in other settings are only able to excel within their narrow scope of duties, skilled nursing facility employees are able to continuously broaden their knowledge of diagnoses, conditions, and treatments.

Close relationships with patients and families

Caring for the same patients every day is bound to build close relationships, especially with long term residents of skilled nursing facilities. Those relationships usually extend to patients’ families as well, who are often closely involved with their loved ones’ care and in charge of major decisions. 

Improved physical shape

Working at a skilling nursing facility is somewhat physically demanding, requiring hours on your feet and the physical strength to lift and assist patients. However, this means you’ll stay in great shape, and if you have an exercise tracking device, you’ll get much more than your daily required steps completed—sometimes double the amount each day!

Join the team at our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego

If you are a medical professional and you have the skills, experience, and positive attitude necessary to thrive at a skilled nursing facility, consider joining Bella Vista Health Center’s dynamic team of dedicated professionals. Our current list of openings can be found here. Check our skilled nursing facility jobs in San Diego or give us a call at (619) 399-7920.