[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisted living facilities are residences for elderly people whose illnesses or disabilities prevent them from living independently. Nurses who work in assisted living settings maximize patients’ health and overall quality of life in a personal, home-like environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many advantages to pursuing a nursing position in an assisted living community. Nurses are in high demand, and they can choose from various specialized roles. This type of setting also lets nurses develop a strong bond with patients over an extended period.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn about some assisted living and nursing home careers for nurses from all backgrounds.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]1. Director of Nursing, Assisted Living[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A director of nursing oversees an assisted living facility’s operations and supervises the healthcare staff.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Key responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recruiting, hiring, training, and terminating staff[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluating compliance with policies, procedures, and [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nursing-care-plans-explained//”]care plans[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conflict resolution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fostering relationships with patients, families, and physicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Developing and managing the facility’s budget and business plan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become[/hen-ui-text]: A nursing director in an assisted living facility needs an active registered nurse (RN) license, two years of clinical experience, and an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most employers seek someone with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN). Candidates with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a master of business administration with a healthcare or nursing focus are highly desirable.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations[/hen-ui-text]: According to January 2022 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Assisted_Living_Director/Salary?loggedIn” target=”_blank”]data from Payscale[/hen-ui-link], the annual base salary for this role can reach up to $87,000, with an average annual salary of $63,730. Compensation may vary according to education, experience, and facility size.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]2. Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]career as a geriatric nurse[/hen-ui-link] specializes in elderly patients’ physical, mental, and emotional health. An assisted living facility or nursing home nurse with this specialty fosters independence and healthy habits in a facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]This position requires an active RN license and an ADN. However, individuals with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree//”]BSN or master’s degree[/hen-ui-link], and/or a gerontological nursing board certification, may see more job opportunities and higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Salary expectations [/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]In January 2022, the average base salary for an RN with geriatric skills is [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]$69,120 a year[/hen-ui-link], or $30.07 an hour as per Payscale. Depending on experience and education, annual earnings can span $49,000-$92,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]3. Long-term Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]Long-term care nurses[/hen-ui-link] work in assisted living communities and care homes with patients who cannot function independently due to illness or disability. These nursing home nurses and assisted living nurses are trained RNs who often undergo additional training to care for elderly patients or individuals with mental and physical disorders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]A long-term care nurse must possess an ADN at minimum and a valid RN license. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates with a BSN or an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]An RN with long-term care skills earns an average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/f84e31c5/Long-Term-Care?loggedIn” target=”_blank”]annual salary of $64,370[/hen-ui-link], or $29.85 an hour, as of January 2022 according to Payscale. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]Salaries range[/hen-ui-link] from $43,000-$89,000 based on experience and education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]4. Wellness Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A wellness nurse helps elderly patients live healthier, safer lives by promoting positive habits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become:[/hen-ui-text] Although licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can become wellness nurses, most employers prefer to hire ADN RNs who have two years of clinical experience with an aging population.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]On average, a wellness nurse earns $77,770 a year or $37 an hour as of January 2022 as per ZipRecruiter. Salaries range from $28,000-$127,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5. Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most[hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/”] critical care nurses[/hen-ui-link] work in hospital intensive or critical care units. Some find roles at assisted living facilities, where they monitor elderly patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become:[/hen-ui-text] Like many nursing home careers, this position requires an ADN or a BSN and an active RN license. The certified critical care registered nurse credential can lead to more employment opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]The average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)%2C_Critical_Care/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]base hourly rate[/hen-ui-link] as per Payscale figures for a critical care nurse in January 2022 is $33.11, with an annual salary of $71,330 and yearly earnings from $55,000-$112,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]6. Nurse Advocate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-advocate/”]Nurse advocates[/hen-ui-link] serve as a link among healthcare professionals, patients, and patients’ families. They help families and patients understand procedures, medical care, and billing. These nurses may also discuss alternative treatments with patients and function as sponsors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-advocate/how-to-become/”]nurse advocate[/hen-ui-link] must be a licensed RN with a BSN. Some take classes on financial and social issues in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Advocate/Hourly_Rate?loggedIn” target=”_blank”]Payscale lists[/hen-ui-link] the January 2022 average base salary for nurse advocates as $66,800 a year, although annual earnings range from $45,000-$93,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]7. Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A[hen-ui-link href=”/careers/psychiatric-nurse/”] psychiatric nurse[/hen-ui-link] helps patients effectively manage mental health issues, therapy appointments, and crisis interventions. In an assisted living setting, they often treat patients struggling with dementia, anxiety, or depression.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]Psychiatric nurses should hold an ADN or a BSN along with a valid RN license. Some facilities require the psychiatric mental health nurse certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]The average base hourly rate for psychiatric nurses in January 2022 was[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate?loggedIn” target=”_blank”] $32.61 an hour[/hen-ui-link], according to Payscale.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]8. Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A[hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”] nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works under the supervision of, or in collaboration with, a physician. NPs provide patient care by diagnosing conditions, scheduling tests, and prescribing medications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]Prospective NPs should hold an RN license and an MSN. Some states prefer a doctor of nursing practice. NPs must also earn the certified [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/can-non-nurse-become-an-np/”]nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary for an NP is $117,670, or $56.67 an hour.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]9. Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/oncology-nurse/”]oncology nurse[/hen-ui-link] boasts distinct clinical skills and offers cancer patients empathy and compassion. Using a multidisciplinary approach, these specialists provide facility residents with the highest level of care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]An [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/oncology-nurse/how-to-become/”]oncology nurse[/hen-ui-link] must hold an ADN or a BSN and an RN license. Some get an oncology certified nurse certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]As of January 2022, Payscale reports the mean base hourly pay for an oncology nurse as[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $34.06 an hour[/hen-ui-link] or $76,350 a year, with salaries spanning $59,000-$103,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10. Pain Management Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pain-management/”]Pain management nurses[/hen-ui-link] who work in assisted living facilities assess patients’ pain levels to develop treatment plans and manage their discomfort. Treatments may consist of medications or nonpharmaceutical therapies to alleviate pain, such as acupuncture, spinal blocks, massage, or relaxation techniques.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]This role requires an ADN or a BSN with an active RN license. Some choose to earn a pain management nursing certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.indeed.com/career/pain-management-nurse/salaries” target=”_blank”]According to Indeed[/hen-ui-link], the average base salary for a pain management nurse is $101,790 as of January 2022.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]11. Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thanks to the pandemic and a critical international [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link], the demand for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/”]travel nurses[/hen-ui-link] has skyrocketed. These nurses take on temporary, short-term registered nurse employment opportunities at facilities around the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]Like many assisted living or nursing home careers, these positions require a BSN and RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/salary//”]Travel nurse salaries[/hen-ui-link] vary based on assignment type and length, although [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Travel_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale data[/hen-ui-link] indicates an average hourly pay of $36.37 an hour or $80,890 a year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]12. Public Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/public-health-nurse//”]public health nurse[/hen-ui-link] (PHN) who works in an assisted living setting focuses on the community instead of individual patients. PHNs promote health and prevent disease in a population by assessing and evaluating health trends, educating community members, and developing programs to promote healthy practices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/public-health-nurse//”]PHN[/hen-ui-link] must hold at least an ADN and an active RN license. Certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners is recommended.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]In January 2022, a PHN’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]median annual base salary[/hen-ui-link] was $61,070, or $29.47 an hour. Spanning $47,000-$92,000, the position’s broad salary range is based on experience, education, and certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]13. Certified Nursing Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nursing home careers do not require a BSN. Also known as a nurse’s aide, a [hen-ui-link href=”/cna/”]certified nursing assistant[/hen-ui-link] (CNA) provides patients with basic care under a nurse’s direction. CNAs help patients with daily activities, take vital signs, answer phone calls, and support nurses by performing non-nursing functions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]CNAs must earn a high school diploma or GED certificate. Next, they complete a CNA program at an accredited school approved by the state board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]The median hourly pay for a CNA is $14.82 an hour or $30,830 annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]14. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Known as LVNs in CA and TX, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurses[/hen-ui-link] work under an RN’s direction. Their primary responsibilities include checking vital signs, inserting catheters, changing dressings, collecting specimens, maintaining health records, and discussing care plans with patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]An assisted living or nursing home nurse who works as an LPN must earn a diploma in practical nursing from an approved educational program and pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations: [/hen-ui-text]The median pay for an LPN is $23.47 an hour or $48,820 a year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]15. Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A[hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”] clinical nurse specialist[/hen-ui-link] (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who trains nurses and nursing students in the best evidence-based nursing practices in their specialty. They can work either independently or under a physician’s direction, depending on their state. A CNS’s scope of practice varies by state, but it may allow them to prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, order tests, and educate patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to become: [/hen-ui-text]A CNS should maintain an active RN license and hold an MSN, although some state boards expect candidates to hold a DNP. A CNS should also have APRN certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary expectations:[/hen-ui-text] The BLS identifies the median annual salary for similar APRNs like nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists as $117,670.[/hen-ui-text]

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