The Role of a Registered Nurse in an Assisted Living Facility

The assisted living industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the USA. With the number of Americans over age 65 expected to more than double from 40.2 million in 2010 to 88.5 million by 2050, and seniors over 85 expected to account for 4.5% of the total population in the same time period, it’s no surprise that demand for these services is on the rise.

Demand is just one factor, however, with the impressive technological developments in the long-term care field, as well as advancements in medical care helping people not only live longer, but live better, too. The industry has undergone a transformation over the last couple of decades, becoming unrecognizable to the long-term care and assisted living facilities of the past — making them attractive not only to seniors, but as a desirable career option for administrators, doctors, nurses, therapists, care workers and other professionals.

Assisted Living Communities as a Career Option for RNs 

Registered Nurses (RNs) have a particular role in running assisted living facilities often with the title of Head Nurse or Director of Nursing.

Responsibilities can differ among communities, but usually include:

• Supervision of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) staff members.
• Designating nursing assignments and setting work schedules.
• Managing the total care of the residents, including developing and initiating care plans, administering medication, preparing IVs, drawing blood, giving injections, and monitoring vital signs.
• Monitoring residents to assess the effectiveness of their medication and care plans, possible unintended side effects and negative medicine interactions.
• Oversight of the residents’ health as a whole through monitoring and ensuring a high standard of care.
• Completing clinical assessments of residents’ health status.
• Interacting with residents’ families and loved ones and reporting changes in their health or care plan.
• Ensuring continuity of care by getting to know each resident, their needs and the best approach to their healthcare as a whole. Through full-time interaction with residents, RNs are able to observe them in detail, catching minor health complications early for a faster recovery.

Want to Find Out More? Speak to the Team at Our CCRC in Sussex County New Jersey 

Bristol Glen is a CCRC Sussex County New Jersey, dedicated to helping seniors live full, rewarding and independent lives. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite care and memory care and support services, and welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

Our assisted living community offers staff an environment which upholds spirituality and our non-profit mission as the framework for everything they do, creating a supportive and focused environment. Our team also lives “the abundant life” we offer our residents by having a true sense of purpose when they come to work every day.

To find out more about career opportunities at any of the four full-service United Methodist Communities or our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/the-role-of-a-registered-nurse-in-an-assisted-living-facility/