Practical nurse, care for older people

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a practical nurse in a 24-hour assisted living facility. My task is to support the everyday life of older people and promote their well-being by means of nursing and care. 

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I have always been a social person, and I want to help others. Already in lower secondary school, I felt that the health sector could be a suitable option for me. I enjoy having a positive influence on another person’s day. 

Describe your typical working day or week.

The content of a typical working day varies somewhat depending on whether I’m doing a morning, evening or night shift. Morning and evening shifts include meals and assisting in serving them as well as taking care of the clients’ hygienic needs, such as showering them. These shifts also include the administration of medicines, catheterisations, and carrying out different measurements, such as checking blood pressure. During the day, I continuously assess the clients’ state of health and functional capacity and record the observations I make. 

The day also includes cleaning, such as collecting dishes and wiping tables together with a nursing assistant. I regularly visit the residents to check how they are doing and assist in changing nappies, toilet visits, mobility, and other everyday situations where they need my support. Sometimes during the working day there are supplementary training sessions or short courses that are completed alongside work. 

The night shift involves preparing for the following day, such as preparing breakfast items and doing the laundry. During the night, residents may need help with toilet visits and drinking. Sometimes I need to calm them down so that they can go back to sleep. 

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work in an assisted living facility in three shifts. The morning shift starts at 7:00 and ends between 14:00 and 16:00. The evening shift starts between 11:00 and 14:00 and ends at 20:00 or 21:15. The night shift, on the other hand, is always between 21:05 and 7:05. 

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

Those working as practical nurses need good interaction skills, patience, and an ability to encounter older people and sick clients with empathy and respect. It is important to understand that clients’ functional capacity and thinking do not always correspond to the level of a healthy adult, as, for example, memory disorders can have a significant impact on behaviour. 

A good situational awareness, friendliness, and the ability to read other people’s emotional state are important in everyday work. Sometimes you need to improvise, as you encounter situations in which you need to come up with creative solutions and act quickly. The ability to listen to people is emphasised in the work of a practical nurse, so that you can genuinely take account of the client’s needs and wishes.  

What is the best thing about your profession?

The work I do brings joy to older people, and it is rewarding. It feels particularly meaningful when a client thanks me, praises the way I work or shows their appreciation in some other way. Often just a smile on a client’s face makes me smile too.  

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Challenges in the work of a practical nurse are caused by rush and unexpected situations. Sudden changes can change schedules and delay the performance of tasks, especially if the shift is already understaffed. 

Especially with clients with severe memory disorders, the work can sometimes feel mentally straining. For example, they sometimes strongly resist showering or taking their medication, or they may even behave aggressively. 

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a sustainability manager?

I recommend this profession especially to people who are social, and good at listening and discussing with people. If you want to help others and do meaningful work, nursing is a good option. The work is versatile, and everyday duties vary. 

How do you see the future of your profession?

I hope there will be plenty of work for nurses in the future as well. It is important that we can continue to focus on what is essential, i.e. helping people.