If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, you may be wondering how to get your foot in the door in this highly competitive industry.
With the right approach, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in a healthcare setting, including senior living communities.
Healthcare is a vast industry with many career paths, from nursing to occupational therapy, administrative roles, and more.
Identifying your career goals will help you focus on developing the skills and qualifications needed for a particular role.
At The Kensington Reston, you can work alongside various healthcare professionals, receive on-the-job training, and fulfill your personal and professional goals.
Steps to begin a healthcare career in senior living
Beginning a healthcare career can be challenging, but there are many steps you can take to increase your chances of success.
Identify your career goals
The first step to getting your foot in the door in a healthcare setting is to identify your career goals. Do you want to work as a nurse, medical assistant, physical therapist, or administrative staff?
By knowing which specific job you want to pursue, you can focus on developing the skills and qualifications needed for that particular role.
Get educated and trained
Once you have identified your career goals, the next step is to obtain the necessary education and training.
Healthcare careers typically require specialized degrees or certifications, so it’s essential to research accredited programs that will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for your desired career path.
The Kensington Reson offers our new team members in-person direct care training. Our program helps our team members find their path, grow their purpose, and find a strong sense of belonging.
Gain experience
To stand out from other job applicants, gaining hands-on experience in a healthcare setting is important.
Consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic, completing an internship, or job shadowing to gain valuable experience and build your network.
Build your network
Networking is a critical part of any job search, especially in the healthcare industry. You never know where your next opportunity may come from, so it’s important to cultivate important connections.
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, connect with healthcare professionals on social media, or expand your network through volunteering and learn about job openings.
Create an excellent resume
To make a strong impression on potential employers, it’s important to customize your resume and cover letter for the job you’re applying for.
Highlight your relevant skills, education, and experience, and tailor your application to show how you can contribute to the specific healthcare setting you’re interested in.
Apply for jobs
Once you’ve identified job openings that match your career goals, it’s time to apply.
Be persistent, follow up on your applications, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately.
Prepare for interviews
If you’re selected for an interview, preparing ahead of time is important. Research the company and position, practice answering common interview questions, and dress professionally. Look over the position description and develop specific talking points that relate to it to stick out to the interviewer.
Direct care training in senior living
Direct care training is essential for professionals working in senior living communities.
This type of training prepares staff to provide hands-on care and support to residents, including assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and emotional support.
Our direct care training program is aimed at supporting our newest team members who are just beginning their careers in healthcare and those interested in advancing their careers.
Through our direct care training, some of our team members studying the nursing field were able to gain experience and find complimentary education by joining our team.
Direct care training at senior living communities, such as The Kensington Reston, typically covers the following areas.
Personal care
Team members should be trained in how to assist residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks.
Communication skills
Team members are trained in effective communication techniques, including active listening, empathy, and nonverbal communication. This is particularly important for our dementia and memory care aspects of our training.
Resident safety
Staff is trained in how to identify and respond to potential safety hazards in the senior living community, such as falls or other accidents.
These trainings are imperative to prevent our senior residents from falls and injuries and to each team members how to be safe for themselves as well.
Team members should also be trained in emergency procedures, such as CPR and first aid, to ensure they can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Dementia care
For memory care communities, team members should receive specialized training in how to provide appropriate care and support to residents with memory impairment.
The Kensington Reston is known for our enhanced memory care community, so we ensure our team members are trained in Positive Approach to Care.
We make certain that our team members always feel confident and prepared to care for our residents.
Ethics and professionalism
Staff should be trained in ethical and professional standards for working in senior living communities, including resident privacy and confidentiality.
Direct care training is critical for ensuring that staff is well-equipped to provide high-quality care and support to seniors in these communities.
By investing in training and education for our team members, The Kensington Reston can improve the quality of care they provide and create a safer, more supportive environment for their residents.
Grow with us at The Kensington Reston
The Kensington Reston is a premier assisted living and memory care community located in Reston, Virginia.
With beautiful grounds, luxurious suites, and a professional and compassionate team, our residents can truly age in place.
Our team ensures even those with high care needs can maintain or improve their quality of life, and live happily and healthily.
Our Promise is to love and care for our residents as we do our own, and we extend this promise to our team.
When you choose to begin or expand your career at The Kensington Reston, you can grow personally and professionally.
Some of the benefits we offer our team include:
- Competitive salaries
- Health, life, 401K & other benefits starting at 32 hrs/wk
- Generous paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Complimentary lunches & dinners
Contact us or check out our blog to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community, services, upcoming events, volunteer positions, and employment opportunities.
Our team manager can help you determine which position may be the perfect fit for you within our community!