Licensed Practical Nurse
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for the coordination and performance of nursing activities in an assigned section/unit during a designated shift. In the absence of other senior management, an LPN may be responsible for oversight of the facility during certain shifts.
Education & Experience:A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program, which usually takes about two years to complete(including prerequites). He or she must then apply and register for an LPN license with the Idaho Board of Nursing. The prospective LPN must pass the NCLEX examination. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.
Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care to patients to ensure their comfort and well‐being. RNs administer prescribed medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, and maintain residents’ medical records upon observation. They also oversee other workers such as LPNs and CNAs and may assist a physician/medical director during treatment and examination of a resident.
Education & Experience:
A Registered Nurse (RN) candidate must complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which typically takes three years to complete (including prerequisites) or a four year bachelor of science (BSN), which typically takes four years to complete. He or she must then apply for a license with the Idaho Board of Nursing. The prospective RN must pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.
Salary Average
$73,000
Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Infection Prevention
Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Unit Manager
Assistant Director of Nursing
Unit Manager
The Unit Manager is responsible for supervising the nursing staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) on an assigned unit to ensure continuity and quality of resident care while promoting an environment of learning and independence.
Education & Experience:
A Unit Manager must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.
Salary Average
$75,000
Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Infection Prevention
Next Steps
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Assistant Director of Nursing
The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) to help insure continuity and quality of resident care. In the Director of Nursing’s absence, the ADON assumes responsibility for the nursing department.
Education & Experience:
An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.
Salary Average
$80,000
Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Infection Prevention
Next Steps
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator
Director of Nursing
The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for supervising all nursing staff, ensuring there is adequate nursing staff, and ensuring that the staff’s skills remain current in order to meet the needs of the residents and state and federal regulations. The DON oversees development and implementation of nursing policy and procedure and communication of the needs of the residents to the physicians.
Education & Experience:
A director of nursing must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess a minimum of five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.
Salary Average
$95,000
Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Infection Prevention
Next Steps
Regional Quality Assurance Nurse
Regional Quality Assurance Nurse
The Regional Quality Assurance (QA) Nurse looks for ways to improve procedures within a skilled nursing or assisted living community, with the goal of improving resident care. To meet the continued regulatory changes, the QA Nurse participates in the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies and procedures and in continuing education related to professional standards of the nursing practice. QA Nurses are sometimes facility based but oversee multiple facilities.
Education & Experience:
QA Nurses must meet the registered nurse licensure requirements and have at least five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience included.
Salary Average
$105,000
Certifications
Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) Certification
Next Steps
Administrator
Regional Director of Operations
So, is it time to find your life’s work?
If you are willing/able to work in a nursing facility or an assisted living community