Nursing Home Registered Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the world of healthcare, the focus on nursing home registered nurses is more critical than ever.
As the global population ages, and the need for compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals grows, the demand for these dedicated individuals who can enhance, uphold, and manage our nursing home care structure amplifies.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a nursing home registered nurse?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
- A hiring manager delineating the ideal candidate,
- Or simply interested in the ins and outs of nursing home nursing,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable nursing home registered nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive in.
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Duties and Responsibilities
Nursing Home Registered Nurses have a significant role in providing medical care and support to elderly patients.
They are often responsible for coordinating and implementing comprehensive treatment plans for residents in nursing home facilities.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Evaluating residents’ health conditions and needs, developing appropriate nursing care plans
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
- Providing direct patient care including wound dressing, bathing, feeding and monitoring vital signs
- Documenting residents’ health status and maintaining accurate medical records
- Communicating with residents’ family members and healthcare team about their condition and progress
- Providing emotional support and therapeutic communication to residents and their families
- Supervising and training nursing assistants and junior nursing staff
- Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations, including sanitation and infection control
- Coordinating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, and dietitians
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a compassionate and professional Registered Nurse to provide quality care for our residents in our nursing home facility.
Your responsibilities include creating care plans, administering medication, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and ensuring the comfort and safety of our residents.
Our ideal candidate possesses excellent nursing skills, a caring and respectful demeanor, and a commitment to providing the highest quality care to our residents.
Responsibilities
- Assess, plan and implement care strategies for patients and residents
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician
- Monitor patients’ health status with respect to diseases and condition
- Communicate with patients and their families, updating them on care and status
- Coordinate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals for creating and evaluating customized care plans
- Document and maintain patient medical histories, vitals, and test results in electronic health records
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families
- Adhere to professional standards, nursing home policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements
Qualifications
- Valid nursing and CPR certification
- Proven experience as a registered nurse in a nursing home or similar setting
- Excellent understanding of nursing home care procedures and best practices
- Knowledgeable of health, safety, and hygiene guidelines and regulations
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Compassionate with good bedside manners
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively
- BSc or diploma in nursing; training in healthcare administration is a plus
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunities for advancement
Additional Information
- Job Title: Nursing Home Registered Nurse
- Work Environment: Nursing home facility. This role requires direct contact with patients and may involve long hours and work on weekends or holidays.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Nursing Home Administrator.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $58,000 minimum to $76,000 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 Registered Nurse Do?
A Nursing Home Registered Nurse primarily works in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities.
They are responsible for providing medical care and assistance to elderly or disabled residents.
Their job involves assessing patients’ health conditions, creating care plans, and implementing these plans to ensure the wellbeing of residents.
They also monitor and record patients’ vital signs, administer medication, and assist with basic needs like bathing, dressing, and eating.
Nursing Home Registered Nurses are often the primary point of contact between the patients and their families.
They keep the families updated on the patients’ health status and any changes in their condition.
They also provide emotional support to both the patients and their families.
In addition, they coordinate with doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care to the residents.
They may also be involved in administrative tasks such as updating medical records, scheduling appointments, or supervising nursing aides and assistants.
Nursing Home Registered Nurses are critical in ensuring a high quality of life for the residents in the nursing home, treating each resident with respect and dignity, and providing compassionate care.
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Qualifications and Skills
A competent Nursing Home Registered Nurse should possess a range of technical skills, soft skills, and medical knowledge to provide optimal care for residents, including:
- Comprehensive knowledge of geriatric nursing to provide specialized care for elderly residents
- Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with residents, their families, and the medical team
- Empathetic nature and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with residents and provide emotional support
- Patient care skills to perform daily tasks like dressing, bathing, feeding patients, and administering medication
- Problem-solving skills to identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies or changes in residents’ health status
- Attention to detail to accurately monitor and record residents’ health conditions and responses to treatments
- Physical stamina to stand or walk for long hours and assist residents with mobility
- Organizational skills to manage multiple patients, schedule activities, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Experience Requirements
Entry-level Nursing Home Registered Nurses typically require a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, and they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.
Additionally, they may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through clinical placements or internships during their nursing program.
Registered Nurses with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have gained expertise in patient care, medical procedures, and medication administration.
They may have also developed specialized skills in areas such as geriatric, palliative, or rehabilitative care.
This experience is often gained in hospital settings, community health centers, or other nursing homes.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership or managerial experience, having supervised nursing staff or managed care plans for a large number of patients.
These nurses are often ready for senior roles within a nursing home, such as Charge Nurse, Director of Nursing, or Nursing Home Administrator.
These roles require strong decision-making skills, the ability to manage a team, and a deep understanding of nursing home regulations and best practices.
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Education and Training Requirements
To become a nursing home registered nurse, individuals typically need a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), although some nursing homes might accept an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
During their degree programs, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as health assessments, adult and elder care, pharmacology, and community health.
They also gain hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings including hospitals and nursing homes.
Upon completion of a nursing degree, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
All states require RNs to be licensed, and the requirements for licensure may vary.
Generally, licensure requires at least an associate degree in nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN, and meeting any additional state requirements.
Certification is not required but is highly recommended for nursing home registered nurses.
Many choose to become certified in gerontological nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or another reputable organization.
This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and specialized skills in elderly care.
Continuing education is crucial for nursing home registered nurses, as healthcare practices and technologies evolve rapidly.
Many states require RNs to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.
Additionally, some nursing homes may require experience in a geriatric or long-term care setting.
Overall, nursing home registered nurses need extensive education and training, as well as a dedication to lifelong learning and caring for the elderly population.
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Salary Expectations
A Nursing Home Registered Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $67,493 (USD) per year.
The actual salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the nurse’s level of experience, their education qualifications, the location of the nursing home, and the specific policies of the employing organization.
Nursing Home Registered Nurse Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Nursing Home Registered Nurse need?
Nursing Home Registered Nurses should possess strong clinical skills, including the ability to monitor and assess residents’ health, administer medications, provide wound care, and respond to medical emergencies.
They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with residents, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Patience, empathy, and the ability to handle stressful situations are also crucial for this role.
What qualifications does a Nursing Home Registered Nurse need?
To become a Nursing Home Registered Nurse, one must first complete a nursing program to obtain either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Upon graduating, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse.
Prior experience in geriatric nursing and certification in gerontological nursing can be beneficial in a nursing home setting.
What should you look for in a Nursing Home Registered Nurse resume?
When reviewing a Nursing Home Registered Nurse resume, look for a valid nursing license and a degree in nursing from an accredited school.
Prior experience in a nursing home or with elder care is a big plus.
Also, look for skills in patient care, medication administration, and emergency response.
Additional certifications related to elderly care or specific medical conditions commonly found in older adults can also be valuable.
What qualities make a good Nursing Home Registered Nurse?
A good Nursing Home Registered Nurse is patient, compassionate, and has a genuine desire to help and care for the elderly.
They should have strong clinical skills and an ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.
Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important as they will need to interact with residents, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
What are the daily duties of a Nursing Home Registered Nurse?
A typical day for a Nursing Home Registered Nurse may include assessing the health conditions of residents, administering medication, coordinating with doctors, and communicating with residents’ families.
They may also provide direct patient care such as wound dressing, assisting with personal hygiene, and monitoring vital signs.
Additionally, they may need to respond to emergencies and provide emotional support to residents and their families.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a nursing home registered nurse.
Surprised?
It’s not just about administering medications or updating patient records.
It’s about nurturing lives, one patient at a time.
With our comprehensive nursing home registered nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.
But why stop at just this?
Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every patient interaction is a part of a larger mission.
Let’s enrich lives, together.
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