The growing population of elderly and senior citizens in British Columbia is causing a demand for nurses, reports the Vancouver Sun.
In the last decade, there has been a 38 percent increase in the number of seniors residing in nursing homes or group settings. The elderly population has been steadily rising since 2001, and in 2011 there were nearly 5 million people in Canada over age 65. Many of these citizens are turning to hospitals or care homes in order to maintain a high quality of life.
The growth of the Canadian senior population has led to a greater need for nurses to work in healthcare settings. Hospitals and group homes are seeing a high demand for workers, and the skills needed to care for the elderly are becoming coveted. Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in one of these fields can continue their education with a healthcare course in Vancouver, but first it is important to understand the role of nurses in these environments.
How Nurses help the Elderly
Nurses are an integral part of collective dwellings, as they assist in the day-to-day functions around the homes. Duties range from caring for the personal hygiene of residents to administering medication, so a worker may find themselves call upon to do a variety of different tasks. There may be a lot of administration or supervising responsibilities involved with this career, so nurses should be comfortable shouldering responsibility in this manner.
Hospital nurses mostly perform bedside care and assist doctors in routine medical checkups and procedures, while home health providers serve senior citizens on a periodic basis, often making visits to the patient's home in order to monitor their medical outlook. In each of these professions, the role of a nurse blends medical tasks with administrative work.
Forming Relationships
Nurses who choose to work with the elderly often have the choice of working in different settings, and these come with a variety of personal rewards. Caretakers have the opportunity to form close relationships with those they are looking after, which can be among the most beneficial aspects of being a nurse. Transitioning to a group dwelling can be overwhelming for a new resident, but a friendly nurse can help to ease the process.
Students who are interested in pursuing healthcare careers can enroll in the Practical Nursing program at Vancouver Career College. For more information, fill out the form on the right.