What is the most difficult part about being an elderly care nurse?

I worked in elderly care for many years as a cna and with a focus on dementia patients. From my experience, observations and friendships with nurses, the information you've gotten doesn't seem to tell you much. Yes, families can be difficult to deal with sometimes, but the reason behind this is because they are grieving, can feel guilty, do not understand rules and procedures, and want the best care for their relative. A little compassion goes a long way with them. The hardest things I witnessed from the nurse's perspective is that there is little time to administer to patients as most of the shift involves preparing meds and responding to emergencies or problems. The administration, which in today's world cares most about the bottom line or profit, does not ever seem to support the staff who works with the patients. Doctors are in and out, and rarely spend time helping to get to the root of problems for the patient.

Good nurses, especially ones who are willing to try to change the systems are truly and always needed. Burnout and health issues from the daily stress can be hard to deal with. Pay is good for nurses, but not for the CNA's working under them, which means nurses are constantly breaking in new people or trying to help the CNAs. I don't want to discourage you, but feel that it would be best for you to be truly prepared. Traveling
nurses who go to patients homes seem to really love their jobs, as they feel they are getting to work with the patient one on one and are able to provide help and solutions.

Read all of the articles that you can on the state of elderly care today, in assisted living and nursing home institutions. Watch the documentary on PBS about the topic.