Patients Need Around The Clock Care example essay topic

Comparison Why would anyone be in the healthcare field? First, there are different types of positions available. Second, this is a very rewarding career for those who enjoy caring for others. Although, most people think there are a lot of differences between certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses, they share the same type of work, working conditions and job outlook. The nature of the work is very similar for the C.N.A. and L.P.N. A C.N.A. work includes performing routine tasks under the supervision of nursing staff. They answer call bells, deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and bathe.

Aides also provide skin care to patients, take pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure and help patients get in and out of bed and walk. They also escort patients to operating rooms, exam rooms, keep patient rooms neat, set up equipment, or store and move supplies. Aides observe patient's physical, mental, and emotional condition and report any change to the R.N. Likewise the L.P.N. provides basic bedside care. They take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, restorations, and pulse.

They also treat bedsores, prepare and give injections and enemas, apply dressings, apply ice packs and insert catheters. L.P.N.'s observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments to the R.N. or the doctor. They help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, and care for their emotional needs. Likewise the working conditions are related. C.N.A.'s work a 40 hour week, but because patients need care 24 hours a day, some aides work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Aides spend many hours standing and walking, and often face heavy workloads. Because they may have to move patients in and out of bed or help them stand or walk, they must guard against back injury. Aides may also face hazards from minor infections and major diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, but can avoid infections by following proper procedures.

Most L.P.N.'s work a 40-hour week, but because patients need around-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk. They also face hazards from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases and also are subject to back injuries when moving patients. In addition, the patients they care for may be confused, irrational, agitated or uncooperative. The job outlook for the C.N.A. and L.P.N. are quite comparable. Numerous job openings for C.N.A. will arise from a combination of fast growth and high turnover for this large occupation.

Employment of aides is expected to grow faster than average in a response to an emphasis on rehabilitation and the long-term care needs of a rapidly aging population. Modern medical technology, while saving and extending more lives, increases the need for long-term care provided by C.N.A. 's. At the same time L.P.N.'s employment is expected to grow faster than the usual for all occupations in response to the long-term care needs of a rapidly growing population of elderly people and to the general growth of healthcare. Nursing homes will offer the most new jobs for the L.P.N. In conclusion, healthcare can be a very rewarding career. Although there are differences in the scope of work performed by the C.N.A. and L.P.N. they seem to be parallel in the type of work, working conditions, and job outlook.