15 Great Nursing Careers in Assisted Living Settings

15 Great Nursing Careers in Assisted Living Settings

Assisted living facilities provide various opportunities for nurses to pursue fulfilling careers. While certain roles might demand additional certifications, others suit registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

Assisted living communities cater to elderly individuals with limitations preventing independent living due to ailments or disabilities. Nurses in such settings play a crucial role in enhancing patients’ health and overall quality of life within a personalized, homelike atmosphere.

Exploring nursing roles within assisted living brings numerous advantages. The demand for nurses is high, and they can select from diverse specialized positions. Working in this environment also enables nurses to develop strong, enduring relationships with patients.

Below, we delve into various nursing careers available in assisted living and nursing home settings, suitable for nurses with diverse backgrounds.

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1. Director of Nursing, Assisted Living

A director of nursing holds a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of an assisted living facility, responsible for managing the healthcare staff.

Key responsibilities include:

– Recruiting, training, and managing staff
– Ensuring compliance with care plans and policies
– Resolving conflicts
– Building relationships with patients, families, and physicians
– Developing and managing the facility’s budget

Requirements: An active RN license, two years of clinical experience, and an associate degree in nursing (ADN) are typically required for this role. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and master of science in nursing (MSN) or a master of business administration (MBA) with a healthcare or nursing focus is often desirable.

Salary: The average annual salary for this role can reach up to $87,000, according to January 2022 data from Payscale.

2. Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses specialize in the physical, mental, and emotional health of elderly patients. They promote independence and healthy habits among residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Requirements: An active RN license and an ADN are generally required, although candidates with a BSN or higher degree, along with gerontological nursing board certification, may have increased job opportunities and higher salaries.

Salary: As of January 2022, the average base salary for an RN with geriatric skills is $69,120 per year.

3. Long-term Care Nurse

Long-term care nurses serve patients in assisted living communities and care homes who are unable to live independently due to illness or disability. These nurses often receive additional training to care for elderly or mentally/physically challenged patients.

Requirements: An ADN and an active RN license are usually required, though some employers prefer candidates with a BSN or MSN.

Salary: The average annual salary for a long-term care nurse is $64,370, as of January 2022.

4. Wellness Nurse

A wellness nurse focuses on promoting positive habits and helping elderly patients lead healthier lives.

Requirements: Most employers prefer ADN RNs with two years of clinical experience working with an aging population.

Salary: The average annual salary for a wellness nurse is $77,770.

5. Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses typically work in hospital intensive or critical care units, but they can also be found in assisted living facilities, monitoring elderly patients with severe injuries or illnesses.

Requirements: An ADN or BSN, along with an active RN license, is generally required. Certification as a critical care registered nurse can enhance job prospects.

Salary: The average annual salary for a critical care nurse is $71,330.

6. Nurse Advocate

Nurse advocates act as intermediaries between healthcare professionals, patients, and families, helping them understand procedures, medical care, and billing.

Requirements: Nurse advocates must be licensed RNs with a BSN, and some may have additional training in financial and social issues in healthcare.

Salary: The average base salary for nurse advocates is $66,800 per year.

7. Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric nurses assist patients in managing mental health issues, therapy appointments, and crisis interventions, often working with elderly patients struggling with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, or depression.

Requirements: Psychiatric nurses generally hold an ADN or BSN, along with a valid RN license. Some facilities may require certification in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Salary: The average base hourly rate for psychiatric nurses is $32.61.

8. Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works under physician supervision or in collaboration. They diagnose conditions, order tests, and prescribe medications.

Requirements: NPs usually hold an RN license and an MSN, with some states requiring a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Certification as a nurse practitioner is necessary.

Salary: The median annual salary for an NP is $117,670.

9. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses provide specialized care to cancer patients, offering empathy and compassion along with clinical expertise.

Requirements: An ADN or BSN and an RN license are generally required. Oncology certified nurse certification is also beneficial.

Salary: The average base hourly pay for an oncology nurse is $34.06.

10. Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses assess patients’ pain levels and develop treatment plans to alleviate discomfort, often using nonpharmaceutical therapies along with medications.

Requirements: An ADN or BSN and an active RN license are typically required. Some nurses choose to obtain pain management nursing certification.

Salary: The average base salary for a pain management nurse is $101,790.

11. Travel Nurse

Travel nurses take on temporary assignments at various healthcare facilities, providing support where there’s a demand for nursing due to critical shortages or other reasons.

Requirements: Travel nurses generally hold a BSN and an RN license.

Salary: Travel nurse salaries vary based on assignment specifics, but the average hourly pay is $36.37.

12. Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses focus on promoting health and preventing disease within communities, rather than individual patients.

Requirements: A minimum of an ADN and an active RN license are required. Certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners is recommended.

Salary: The median annual base salary for public health nurses is $61,070.

13. Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistants provide basic care to patients under the direction of a nurse, helping with daily activities and other tasks.

Requirements: CNAs need a high school diploma or GED and must complete a CNA program at an accredited school.

Salary: The median hourly pay for a CNA is $14.82.

14. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse

LPNs (LVNs in CA and TX) work under RN supervision, performing tasks like vital sign checks, catheter insertion, and wound care.

Requirements: LPNs need a diploma in practical nursing and must pass the NCLEX-PN.

Salary: The median pay for an LPN is $23.47 per hour.

15. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists manage patient care independently or in collaboration with a physician, diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and educating patients.

Requirements: An active RN license and an MSN or DNP are typically required, along with APRN certification.

Salary: The median annual salary for clinical nurse specialists is $117,670.

These are just a few of the rewarding nursing careers available in assisted living settings, offering nurses the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of elderly patients.