Nursing home residents need friendlier staffs
Just the other day I decided to pay a visit to a nursing home in which I used to work. As I walked down the hall, one of the nurses looked at me with an extremely annoyed expression and asked, "What are you smiling about?" It was then that I realized that having a smile on my face in a nursing home placed me in the minority.
So many of the employees seem to hate their jobs and that affects how they treat residents. Not all residents are easy to get along with, but employees have a responsibility to be both professional and cordial despite the attitudes of their consumers. Some residents have a difficult time making the transition to a nursing home setting. A friendly staff makes the transition more pleasant for everyone.
I happen to think a nursing home is one of the most appropriate places to wear a smile. Long-term care staff should be aware that it is not enough to be knowledgeable about their jobs. It's just as important to build rapport and be friendly, even on the most demanding workday.
Porscha Martin
Mayodan