Residential Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the role of residential care nurses is increasingly critical.

As our population ages, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can provide excellent in-home care grows stronger.

But what exactly is expected from a residential care nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A healthcare manager designing the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of residential care nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable residential care nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Residential Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Residential Care Nurses are responsible for managing the care of residents in a residential care facility.

They have a compassionate and patient-focused approach and use their extensive medical knowledge and skills to ensure the well-being and comfort of residents.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting initial assessments of new residents’ health condition
• Creating personalized care plans in conjunction with doctors, other nurses, and health care professionals
• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Monitoring vital signs and observing the condition of residents closely
• Providing emotional support and counseling to residents and their families
• Communicating effectively with residents, their families and healthcare team
• Maintaining accurate records of residents’ health information
• Responding promptly to any changes in health condition or emergency situations
• Ensuring that the residential facility is clean and safe for residents
• Providing education to residents and their families on how to manage their illness or injury

 

Residential Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and professional Residential Care Nurse to provide quality healthcare services within our residential facility.

The responsibilities include assessing patients’ health conditions, creating personalized care plans, administering medication and treatments, and maintaining accurate records.

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent clinical skills, an empathetic approach to patient care, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Ultimately, the role of the Residential Care Nurse is to ensure the wellbeing of patients, improving their quality of life, and supporting their journey towards optimal health.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments
• Develop and implement personalized care plans
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Monitor patients’ health conditions and progress
• Record patient health information accurately and timely
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to enhance patient care
• Provide patient education on health conditions and self-care
• Respond to emergencies promptly
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment
• Comply with healthcare laws, regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Proven nursing experience in a residential care setting or similar
• Deep understanding of nursing ethical standards
• Excellent clinical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle stress and stay calm in emergency situations
• Knowledge of healthcare software, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Physically fit and able to help lift patients when needed
• BSc degree in Nursing, or equivalent

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Residential Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Residential healthcare facility. This role includes work during weekends, holidays, and night shifts, as needed.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Residential Care Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Residential Care Nurse Do?

Residential Care Nurses primarily work in residential care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers.

Their clients are usually elderly individuals or those with disabilities or chronic illnesses who require constant medical attention and personal care.

Their duties involve assessing the health status of residents by taking vital signs, administering prescribed medication, and monitoring their response to treatment.

They also assist residents with daily activities like bathing, eating, and dressing.

Residential Care Nurses also develop and implement individual care plans for each resident, ensuring their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is prioritized.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care to residents.

In addition to providing medical care, Residential Care Nurses also offer emotional support and companionship to residents, often developing strong relationships with them and their families.

Furthermore, they are responsible for documenting residents’ health progress and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate healthcare provider.

In some instances, they may also be involved in educating residents and their families about their health conditions and teaching them how to manage symptoms at home.

 

Residential Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Residential Care Nurses should possess a range of clinical skills, interpersonal abilities and a compassionate approach to patient care, including:

• Strong clinical knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive healthcare services to residents, including administering medication, wound care, and monitoring vital signs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with patients and their families, building trust and ensuring patient comfort.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, as well as to clearly explain healthcare procedures and care plans to patients and their families.
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support to residents and their families, understanding their needs and concerns during their stay in the facility.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to swiftly assess health changes in residents, determining when to take appropriate action or when to escalate to other healthcare professionals.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple patient caseloads, ensuring all patients receive appropriate care and medications on time.
• Patience and resilience to handle challenging situations, such as dealing with patients with severe health conditions or behavioral problems.
• Physical stamina for standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.

 

Residential Care Nurse Experience Requirements

Residential Care Nurses are typically required to have completed a nursing program and obtained a state license to practice as a registered nurse.

This involves gaining clinical experience during their studies which helps them develop the fundamental skills and knowledge required for patient care.

Entry-level Residential Care Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in health facilities.

This early experience might involve working in a hospital, clinic, or residential care facility under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a broader range of nursing skills and could have developed certain specializations in areas such as geriatric care or rehabilitation.

They are typically expected to have further honed their skills in patient care, treatment planning, and administering medication.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in nursing, especially in a residential care setting, may have gathered leadership experience.

They may be suitable for roles that involve overseeing other nurses, coordinating patient care, and liaising with other healthcare professionals.

In addition, they could have experience in more complex tasks such as managing end-of-life care or handling advanced medical equipment.

 

Residential Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Residential Care Nurses are typically required to possess a minimum of a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing, though many employers prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

In all cases, residential care nurses must be licensed as registered nurses (RN) in the state they intend to practice.

To become a registered nurse, candidates must complete a state-approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Moreover, they must have training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

Residential Care Nurses require a strong background in geriatric care or long-term care, as well as familiarity with healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and medical terminology.

Some residential care facilities may require nurses to have prior experience in a residential or long-term care setting.

While not always necessary, obtaining certification in geriatric nursing or similar fields can help demonstrate a nurse’s competency and commitment to the field.

Examples of such certifications include Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN), or Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN).

Residential Care Nurses should be dedicated to ongoing learning, as they need to stay updated with the latest developments in healthcare and nursing practices.

 

Residential Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Residential Care Nurse earns an average salary of $67,345 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can be influenced by factors such as years of experience, specific skills, employer, and location.

 

Residential Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Residential Care Nurse need?

A Residential Care Nurse must have a registered nursing license, which requires completion of an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

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

Specific certifications, such as geriatric nursing or rehabilitation nursing, may also be beneficial depending on the type of residents in the care facility.

 

What are the daily duties of a Residential Care Nurse?

Residential Care Nurses provide nursing care to residents in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.

Daily duties include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, coordinating with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and providing emotional support to residents.

They also educate residents and their families on health conditions and preventative care and help residents with personal care tasks.

 

What skills does a Residential Care Nurse need?

Residential Care Nurses should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they interact with residents, their families, and other healthcare providers daily.

They should be empathetic and patient, as they work with residents who may be dealing with chronic conditions, physical disabilities, or mental health issues.

Organizational skills are also essential for managing the healthcare of multiple residents, and they should have a strong knowledge of medical practices and procedures.

 

Is there a high demand for Residential Care Nurses?

Yes, there is a high demand for Residential Care Nurses due to the aging population and the growing need for long-term care services.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there is an increase in the number of individuals requiring assistance with daily activities and medical care in residential settings.

 

What qualities make a good Residential Care Nurse?

A good Residential Care Nurse is compassionate and understanding, as they work with residents who may be in physical or emotional pain.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills to manage any health issues that arise and be able to work independently as well as part of a healthcare team.

A keen attention to detail is crucial to accurately administer medications and monitor residents’ conditions.

Resilience and stress management skills are also important due to the emotional demands of the job.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of what being a residential care nurse entails.

Guess what?

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about shaping compassionate healthcare, one patient at a time.

Armed with our detailed residential care nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dive further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating razor-sharp listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient cared for is part of a larger healing journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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