The Truth About America's Nursing Homes |
 |
April 25, 2007
by Debbie Wilson
Healthcare Programs Columnist
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of seniors suffer injury and death each year from preventable causes like malnutrution, dehydration, and bedsores. Poor nursing home care has become a nationwide problem--but there is hope. For many nursing home residents, new government regulations and an increasing number of nurses could mean the difference between life and death.
Join The Nursing Solution
A familiar problem in the nursing profession is staffing. Too few nurses are assigned to too many patients. And while previous legislation has done little to curb neglect in nursing homes, recent bills look more promising. New legislation could require facilities nationwide to have enough nurses on duty to provide each resident with at least four hours of care per day.
Why The Nursing Field?
If you enjoy working one-on-one with patients, a career in the nursing industry could be for you. As a nurse, you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in others' lives. And while many traditional nurses' tasks have become computerized (primarily record-keeping), nothing can replace the human touch. Today's nursing facilities are a constant reminder that people need people. They need professional nurses who can offer them the care they need to lead healthy lives.
At the federal level, the Department of Health and Human Services spends money to train state inspectors, while Congress has legislated quality standards for nursing homes. But the real work happens when nursing professionals institute changes at the local level. This means you! Become part of the nursing solution today. You won't regret it.
Sources:
About The Author:
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national healthcare cmopany.
|
Related Articles |
 |
|
|
| |
