Nursing Home Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the healthcare sector, the focus on nursing home nurses has never been sharper.
As the population ages, the demand for skilled, compassionate professionals who can care for our seniors grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a nursing home nurse?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager conceptualizing the ideal candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the multifaceted world of nursing home care,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable nursing home nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Nursing Home Nurse Duties and Responsibilities
Nursing Home Nurses provide high quality patient care to elderly residents in a nursing home setting.
They are responsible for monitoring residents’ health, administering medical care, and providing emotional support to residents and their families.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans
- Monitoring patient’s health status and vitals, reporting changes to physician or supervisor
- Administering medications, wound care, and other personalized interventions as prescribed by the patient’s care plan
- Providing emotional support and therapeutic communication to patients and their families
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Collaborating with the healthcare team to create a safe and comfortable environment for patients
- Documenting patient’s health status and care provided in patient’s record
- Participating in educational programs to maintain professional competency
- Complying with all health and safety regulations, including infection control procedures
- Coordinating with the healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans
Nursing Home Nurse Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Nursing Home Nurse to join our team.
Your primary responsibilities will include providing high-quality patient care, administering medication, monitoring health conditions, and working collaboratively with the rest of the medical team.
The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to work with elderly patients, a deep understanding of patient care techniques, and a strong commitment to providing the highest level of patient care.
Responsibilities
- Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
- Monitoring patients’ responses to treatments and adjusting care plans as needed
- Documenting medical histories and symptoms of patients
- Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop effective care plans
- Ensuring a safe, clean, and supportive environment for patients
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a registered nurse
- Experience working with elderly patients is preferred
- Strong knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
- Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent knowledge of emergency care
- Valid nursing license
- A Bachelor’s degree in nursing is a plus
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Additional Information
- Job Title: Nursing Home Nurse
- Work Environment: Nursing home setting with potential for some on-call work.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- 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 Nursing Home Nurse Do?
Nursing Home Nurses, also known as geriatric nurses, primarily work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings.
They provide direct patient care to elderly or disabled individuals who require assistance with daily tasks and activities.
These tasks may include bathing, dressing, feeding, and administering medication.
Nursing Home Nurses monitor the health condition of residents, perform medical procedures, and respond to medical emergencies.
They are trained to recognize changes in a patient’s condition and to take appropriate action, which might include adjusting medication or contacting a doctor.
In addition to providing physical care, Nursing Home Nurses also offer emotional support to residents.
They spend a significant amount of time interacting with residents, and often form close relationships with them.
They work closely with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to create and implement comprehensive care plans for each resident.
Nursing Home Nurses also communicate regularly with family members to update them on the resident’s health and wellbeing.
Above all, their role involves ensuring the safety, comfort, and dignity of each resident in their care.
Nursing Home Nurse Qualifications and Skills
A competent Nursing Home Nurse should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of elderly care, including knowledge of diseases common in old age such as dementia, arthritis, and diabetes.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals effectively.
- Strong observational skills to monitor the health conditions of patients, identify any signs of distress or discomfort, and report them to the doctor immediately.
- Physical stamina and endurance to handle the demands of the job which often involves standing, walking, lifting, and bending for extended periods.
- Empathy and patience to understand and cater to the emotional needs of the elderly, some of whom may be dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Problem-solving skills to address the various health-related challenges that elderly patients might face.
- Strong organizational skills to manage patient care plans efficiently and ensure that medications are administered at the right time.
- Ability to work in a team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to provide holistic care to the elderly.
Nursing Home Nurse Experience Requirements
Nursing Home Nurses, also known as Geriatric Nurses, typically require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse.
For entry-level positions in a nursing home, fresh graduates or nurses with up to 1 year of experience are usually considered.
The experience could be gained through clinical rotations, internships, or part-time roles in a healthcare setting.
With 2 to 3 years of nursing experience, candidates usually have a solid foundation of nursing skills and knowledge, with a specific emphasis on geriatric care.
They might have worked in a hospital setting, a private practice, or another nursing home.
Nurses with more than 5 years of experience in geriatric care are considered seasoned professionals.
They likely have experience managing complex health issues common among the elderly population, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and potentially leading a team of nurses.
Certain nursing homes might require their nurses to have advanced qualifications, such as a Gerontological Nursing Certification.
This certification indicates a high level of expertise and dedication in the field of geriatric nursing, and it requires at least 2 years of full-time nursing practice and a certain number of hours dedicated to geriatric nursing.
Nursing Home Nurse Education and Training Requirements
Nursing Home Nurses typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
This program provides them with the necessary knowledge on patient care, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and psychology.
In addition to this, they are required to have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
To achieve this, they must first complete their nursing degree and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
For working in a nursing home setting, nurses also need a strong background in geriatric care.
Therefore, many choose to pursue additional courses or certifications in geriatric nursing.
Moreover, some nurses may choose to further their education by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing or a related field.
This can provide them with additional skills and knowledge, and potentially open up more advanced career opportunities.
Beyond formal education and licenses, nursing home nurses need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they are often the main point of contact between the patient and their family.
They also need to be compassionate, patient, and have a good understanding of the physical and mental challenges that come with aging.
Continuing education is also crucial in this role as medical practices, and elderly care techniques are continually evolving.
Hence, commitment to ongoing learning is beneficial.
Nursing Home Nurse Salary Expectations
A Nursing Home Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $72,000 (USD) per year.
This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specific qualifications, geographical location, and the size and prestige of the nursing home.
Nursing Home Nurse Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Nursing Home Nurse need?
A Nursing Home Nurse must be a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
They must have completed a nursing program from an accredited institution and passed the national licensing exam.
Some nursing homes may prefer nurses with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or previous experience in geriatric care.
What are the daily duties of a Nursing Home Nurse?
Nursing Home Nurses provide direct patient care to the elderly residents in the nursing home.
This includes administering medication, assisting with personal care, monitoring vital signs, and updating patient records.
They also coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the residents are receiving appropriate care.
Additionally, they might lead educational programs for residents and families about health-related issues.
What skills are important for a Nursing Home Nurse?
A Nursing Home Nurse should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with residents, families, and other healthcare professionals.
They need to be empathetic and patient, as they will be dealing with elderly patients who may have physical limitations or cognitive impairments.
They must also have strong organizational skills to manage multiple patients’ needs simultaneously.
What qualities make a good Nursing Home Nurse?
A good Nursing Home Nurse is compassionate and enjoys working with the elderly.
They should be committed to providing high-quality patient care and improving the quality of life for nursing home residents.
They should also be resilient and able to handle stress well, as the job can be emotionally demanding at times.
What should you look for in a Nursing Home Nurse resume?
When examining a resume, look for a valid nursing license and any additional certifications, such as geriatric nursing certification.
Review their experience to ensure they have worked with elderly patients and are comfortable providing the specialized care that nursing home residents require.
Also, look for any signs of leadership or teamwork, as Nursing Home Nurses often work as part of a larger healthcare team.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a nursing home nurse.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about administering medications.
It’s about weaving a comforting tapestry of care, one patient at a time.
Equipped with our handpicked nursing home nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step forward.
But why not dive deeper?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precise job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every patient interaction is a piece of the larger care puzzle.
Let’s nurture the future. Together.
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