Because they see them on a daily basis, nursing assistants often develop personal relationships with residents. Expressing compassion and developing friendships are integral parts of the job. For many, a nursing assistant position is the beginning of a career ladder as they continue their schooling through LPN and RN preparation. All nursing assistants in nursing homes are required to be certified. This means completing at least 75 hours of training and passing a certifying examination.
Some nursing homes offer the training as do some vocational schools and community colleges.
Therapists A ny therapist will tell you of the deep satisfaction received in helping a patient with a hip fracture to walk again or a stroke victim to speak. The three main therapy areas available to persons needing long-term care are physical, occupational and speech therapy. All three play a part in the healing process. For example, in treating a resident who has suffered a stoke, the physical therapist would help the person regain muscle strength and mobility. The occupational therapist would re-teach the person how to dress and feed himself or herself.