Licensed Nurses & Registered Nurses in Long-Term Care
You'll find many opportunities for both licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) in skilled nursing facilities. As people live longer and the number of our elderly increases, geriatric nursing will play a significant role in health care. The aging population will far outpace the numbers of RNs and LPNs who currently fill positions in nursing homes.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
RNs practice in an autonomous environment where nursing assessment, judgment and delegation skills are utilized on a continuous basis. Working in a skilled nursing facility offers an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with a patient population second to none in sincere appreciation.
RNs perform basic duties that include treating patients and providing advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
NCHCFA encourages Registered Nurses to become credentialed in Gerontological Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Advancement opportunities to administrative nursing positions are not uncommon as well as to positions requiring unique skills such as the federally mandated Resident Assessment Coordinator.
Registered nurses practice in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act. Download here. See the NC Board of Nursing RN Rules.
Advanced Practice Nurses - Nurse Practitioners
Some RNs choose to become advanced practice nurses, also called nurse practitioners, and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. For example, they may provide direct patient care and expert consultations. In most states, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications.
NCHCFA is currently participating in a national pilot program for nurse practitioners in the Northwest Community Care Network (Northwest CCNC) covering these counties: Wilkes, Surry, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes and Yadkin. If interested, please contact Carron Suddreth, Executive Director for Wilkes Senior Village at 1-336-667-2020.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
LPNs fill an important role in providing skilled services and valued relationships. Caring really is job one.
LPNs care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Most LPNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
In addition to providing routine bedside care, LPNs in nursing homes help to evaluate residents' needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nurse aides.
Licensed nurses practice in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act. Download here. See the NC Board of Nursing LPN Rules.
Professional Development with NCHCFA
NCHCFA is committed to the professional growth of long-term care nurses. We work collaboratively with nursing organizations and institutes of higher learning to provide development and advancement opportunities. For example, NCHCFA partnered with the Continuing Education Department of the University of North Carolina School of Nursing to develop a Certificate In Executive Nursing Leadership In Long-Term Care. This course is designed for nurses pursuing a career in nursing administration. For course information, please visit the UNC Continuing Education course site.