Long-Term Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for long-term care nurses has never been more crucial.

As the population ages, the need for skilled healthcare professionals who can provide, manage, and supervise long-term care intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a long-term care nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the complexities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of long-term care nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable long-term care nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Long-Term Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Long-Term Care Nurses specialize in the provision of care for patients who have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or recovery from surgery or illness which require an extended period of nursing care.

Their duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Evaluate the patient’s health status and implement appropriate nursing care plans
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the patient’s physician
• Monitor and record patient’s medical condition and response to treatment
• Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding the nature of their condition and the steps necessary for health improvement
• Coordinate with other health care professionals, such as doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and social workers for comprehensive care
• Assist patients with activities of daily living including meals, bathing, dressing, and mobility
• Respond to emergencies and urgent issues as they arise
• Document patient’s medical records according to established standards
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with healthcare procedures and regulations
• Advocate for the rights and needs of the patient within the healthcare system

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Long-Term Care Nurse to join our healthcare team.

The Long-Term Care Nurse will be responsible for providing nursing care to patients in a long-term care facility, including assisting with daily activities, monitoring patient health, administering medication, and providing emotional support.

The ideal candidate has a patient and caring nature, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of patient care.

Experience in long-term care settings and a current nursing license are required.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to patients as prescribed in the patient’s care plan
• Monitor patient health and report changes to the physician
• Administer medication and treatments as prescribed by the physician
• Assist patients with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Document and maintain accurate patient records
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Adhere to all facility policies and procedures
• Participate in ongoing education and training

 

Qualifications

• Current nursing license
• Proven experience as a long-term care nurse
• Strong understanding of patient care and nursing best practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Physically fit and able to assist patients with mobility
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-Term Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility. Requires ability to move and lift patients as needed.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Long-Term Care Nurse Do?

Long-Term Care Nurses, also known as Geriatric Nurses, work in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare settings.

Their main responsibility is to provide care for elderly or chronically ill patients who require extended medical care.

They perform routine health checks and monitor the patient’s vital signs, nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being.

These nurses often assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.

They also administer prescribed medications and ensure patients adhere to their medication schedules.

Long-Term Care Nurses liaise with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans for their patients.

They also provide education to patients and their families about the patient’s condition, treatment options, and preventative measures.

Another crucial role of a Long-Term Care Nurse is to provide emotional support to patients and their families, addressing fears or concerns they might have about their long-term care.

In addition, they keep meticulous records of each patient’s progress, which is vital for tracking the patient’s health status and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.

Their job often involves managing a team of nursing aides and assistants, ensuring they provide quality care to all patients.

Since the patients in their care are often in a vulnerable state, Long-Term Care Nurses must also ensure the environment is safe and comfortable for their patients.

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Long-Term Care Nurse should have the following skills and qualifications to provide quality care to patients:

• Strong clinical knowledge in geriatric care and chronic diseases to provide accurate diagnoses, treatments, and care plans for patients.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients and their families, ensuring that they are comfortable and well informed.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively converse with patients, families, and the healthcare team about the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills to react promptly and effectively to emergencies or changes in a patient’s condition.
• Compassion and patience to deal with the physical and emotional demands of caring for elderly or chronically ill patients.
• Physical stamina for performing demanding duties such as lifting or moving patients.
• Attention to detail to accurately document patient information, administer medication, and observe changes in a patient’s condition.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple patient cases and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Experience Requirements

Long-Term Care Nurses typically begin their career journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, and then passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Entry-level Long-Term Care Nurses usually have 1 to 2 years of nursing experience, often gained through clinical rotations in long-term care facilities during their nursing education.

They may also have experience working as a Registered Nurse in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have honed their skills in patient care, long-term care planning, communication, and teamwork in a healthcare setting.

This experience may be acquired through full-time roles as a Registered Nurse or Long-Term Care Nurse.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may have assumed more complex roles and responsibilities.

They may have leadership experience, having supervised or mentored junior nursing staff, coordinated patient care or served as lead nurse in a long-term care facility.

This level of experience may prepare them for roles such as Charge Nurse or Director of Nursing in long-term care facilities.

Continuing education and specialized certifications in gerontology or long-term care nursing can also be beneficial in advancing a Long-Term Care Nurse’s career.

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Long-term Care Nurses typically hold a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) qualification.

This usually requires the completion of an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).

In addition to the basic nursing education, long-term care nurses often have special training in geriatrics, as they frequently work with elderly patients.

This may include courses or certifications in gerontology, dementia care, palliative care, and other areas relevant to aging and chronic illness.

Experience working in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home health care can also be beneficial.

Many employers prefer candidates with hands-on experience in providing long-term care.

In addition to the physical health needs of patients, long-term care nurses also need training in mental health, as they often deal with patients experiencing cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.

This can be obtained through additional coursework, certifications, or on-the-job training.

Certain states may also require long-term care nurses to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their nursing license.

These may cover a variety of topics related to long-term care, such as infection control, medication management, and patient safety.

Obtaining a certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association of Long-Term Care Nursing, can also demonstrate a nurse’s expertise and commitment to the field.

This typically requires meeting specific education and experience requirements, as well as passing an examination.

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Long-Term Care Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ significantly based on factors such as experience, certifications, geographic location, and the specific institution they work for.

 

Long-Term Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Long-Term Care Nurse need?

Long-Term Care Nurses should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand the needs and concerns of their patients and their families.

They should have strong clinical skills to monitor and assess the physical conditions of patients, administer medications, and perform medical procedures.

They also need to have resilience and emotional stability to handle the stress and emotional challenges of caring for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

 

Do Long-Term Care Nurses need a degree?

Yes, Long-Term Care Nurses need to have at least an associate degree in nursing.

However, many employers prefer nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

After completing their nursing education, they also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their nursing license.

Some Long-Term Care Nurses may also choose to pursue specialty certifications related to geriatric or long-term care nursing.

 

What should you look for in a Long-Term Care Nurse resume?

In a Long-Term Care Nurse resume, you should look for a valid nursing license, graduation from an accredited nursing program, and experience in long-term care or geriatric nursing.

Also, look for skills like patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, patient education, and family communication.

Evidence of continuing education or specialty certifications can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Long-Term Care Nurse?

A good Long-Term Care Nurse is compassionate and empathetic, providing not only medical care but also emotional support to their patients.

They are patient and understanding, as they often work with elderly patients who may have cognitive impairments or physical limitations.

They also have strong observation skills, enabling them to detect subtle changes in a patient’s condition that might indicate a problem.

Additionally, they are organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that each patient’s care plan is followed accurately and consistently.

 

Is it difficult to hire Long-Term Care Nurses?

Hiring Long-Term Care Nurses can be challenging due to the nursing shortage and the high demand for healthcare services in the aging population.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true nature of being a long-term care nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about providing exceptional care and support, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use long-term care nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to make your next career move.

But don’t stop here.

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient you care for contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s create a better future for healthcare. Together.

How to Become a Long-Term Care Nurse (Complete Guide)

Courageous Careers: A Glimpse Into Jobs Where Danger is a Constant

Weird Work World: The Most Unconventional Jobs Ever

AI’s Shortfall: The Professions That Depend on Human Wisdom

The Hallmarks of Elite: The Most Prestigious Jobs to Aspire