Careers in

Nursing

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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. He or she must then apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective LPN must pass the NCLEX examination. Scholarships for individuals pursuing nursing education are available.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Registered Nurse
MDS Coordinator

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 a four-year bachelor’s of science (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which typically takes two years to complete. He or she must then apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective RN must pass the NCLEX-RN examination. Scholarships for individuals pursuing nursing education are available.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Unit Manager
MDS Coordinator
Staff Development Coordinator
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.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing

MDS Coordinator

An MDS coordinator (also known as Resident Assessment Coordinator) promotes the emotional and physical well-being of residents. They use resident assessment instruments, to gather information from facility residents and families during periodic interviews. The coordinator focuses on areas such as patient behavioral patterns, moods, cognitive abilities, and nutritional needs. Data gathered from periodic assessments helps caretakers assemble care plans including support from medical staff, dietitians, and rehabilitation specialists. The MDS coordinator implements these plans and monitors them for effectiveness while assuring compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

Education & Experience:
An MDS coordinator must complete a Registered Nurse (RN) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program and receive on-the-job training, or they must complete a formal training program.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis
RAC-CT

Next Steps
Unit Manager
Assistant 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.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator

Staff Development Coordinator

The Staff Development Coordinator devises and helps provide education that reinforces the various skill sets of employees in the nursing department. They support, conduct and oversee an ongoing system of education for members of nursing staff with a focus on professional development. Additional responsibilities include formulating educational resources, arranging for orientation of newly hired employees, assessing the unique training needs of established staff, organizing inservices, and participating in the hiring process.

Education & Experience:
A Staff Development Coordinator 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.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Assistant Director of Nursing

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 residents’ needs 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.

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Quality Assurance Nurse

Quality Assurance Nurse

The Quality Assurance (QA) Nurse looks for ways to improve procedures within a skilled nursing care center, 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.

Certifications
Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) Certification

Next Steps
Senior Nurse Consultant

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