A Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct care to patients and is a critical part of a healthcare team. RNs usually have several team members assisting them, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to help provide direct patient care and treatment.

Long-Term Care (LTC) nurses have excellent observation and assessment skills. While they primarily focus on medical care, such as administering medication, they also must communicate effectively in order to recognize unique patient needs, especially when caring for those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Additionally, RNs may also perform therapeutic and treatment procedures, such as range of motion exercises. Unlike nurses in a hospital setting, Long-Term Care RNs often don’t have the constant support of a physician. They are responsible for the residents’ daily quality of life.  

RN job duties often include:

• Taking and monitoring patient vital signs 
• Administering medication 
• Communicating changes in patient behavior or health status to unit managers and family members 
• Maintaining accurate patient records 
• Collecting specimen samples when needed 
• Developing personalized patient care and treatment plans
• Serving as a trusted resource to other member of the patient care team
• Assisting in medical procedures 
• Managing emergency medical situations 

The job outlook for RNs is excellent! The U.S. Board of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment for RNs is projected to increase by at least 9% by the year 2030. This anticipated growth is much

 faster than other industries, due to the aging of the general population. RNs will be needed in a greater capacity to meet this rising demand, and to fill vacant positions left by previous healthcare workers (Baby Boomers) hitting retirement age. With an already existing shortage in nurses, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, LTC registered nurses are needed more than ever.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses that practice in long-term care settings can expect an annual salary range of about $70,000. The healthcare setting in which an RN is employed can make a significant impact on salary earnings. Additional factors that can affect an RN’s salary include job title, the state in which they’re practicing, if they are working as an interim or permanent nurse, and cost of living.

For example, a Wound Care Nurse working in a Skilled Nursing Facility in California will likely be paid higher than a floor nurse RN working in the same building, since obtaining a specialty in wound care requires additional education and hands-on clinical hours.

LeaderStat helps the nation’s top healthcare, long-term care and senior living organizations fill nursing roles, which include interim staff nurse and RN leadership positions.

Our healthcare industry recruiters are knowledgeable of market trends, credentialing requirements, and healthcare recruitment, making them an invaluable resource to job seekers looking for a great career opportunity.

In addition to a great recruitment team, LeaderStat offers numerous resources to candidates, from focusing on patient-centered communication styles to tips to make your resume stand out to potential employers.