For many, the nursing home is the final chapter in a long and fruitful life, a place where they are cared for respectfully as they live out their golden years.

A recent study reveals that not only do most of the residents and family members of residents of nursing homes report themselves satisfied with the experience, most of the employees who work there say they enjoy it as a place to work.

The survey, conducted by the research firm InnerView, found that 66% of the employees surveyed said their facility was either an "excellent" or "good" place to work. More than 223,000 employees responded to the survey.

A separate research firm, Holleran, conducted a similar survey which also found an increase in job satisfaction among employees. Lisa Lehman, managing partner at Holleran, says in a column for McKnight's that one reason for the increase may be that while times are tough, nursing homes recognize how important it is to work through challenges together and maintain high morale. This gives the staff the sense that budget cuts are being made with the best interest of the staff and residents in mind.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 15,500 nursing homes in the U.S.