Choosing an Assisted Living Nurse Practice Area

Imagine yourself in the future, living life to the fullest, sharing wisdom and stories with others, and hoping for minor assistance along the way. Everyone deserves care that respects their freedom while giving them the help they need when they reach their golden years. This is where assisted living nurses come in. When it comes to providing care for older populations, assisted living nurses play a significant role in ensuring that residents continue to have a high quality of life while also receiving the necessary medical treatment.

In this post, we will explore assisted living nurse requirements and examine everything you will need to do to enter this profession, including earning a nursing degree. If you are thinking about pursuing a career as an assisted living nurse, then Xavier University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program could be the most efficient pathway to achieving a degree and entering the field. Read on to learn more about what nurses do at assisted living facilities and discover how to join their ranks.

What Is Assisted Living?

For older adults who have some mobility issues but don’t need the constant medical attention of a nursing home, an assisted living community might be a good alternative. In contrast to nursing homes, which provide round-the-clock, intensive care to those with severe medical conditions, these institutions aim to make residents feel at home while still promoting their autonomy and quality of life. Assisted living facilities have nurses to assist and provide care only when needed.

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes

It is important to keep in mind that assisted living facilities and nursing homes differ significantly in the amount of care offered. Assisted living facilities are primarily focused on providing support with routines such as dressing, bathing and medication administration. Nursing homes often provide medical treatment around the clock for residents with more intensive needs. Although it is crucial for nurses working in assisted living facilities to ensure that residents receive the appropriate care when it is required, they do not often manage acute medical crises as their primary duty.

What Is an Assisted Living Nurse?

Registered nurses who specialize in providing care to older people living with relatively minor health conditions or physical limits are referred to as assisted living nurses. What do nurses do at assisted living facilities? They are responsible for ensuring that the residents’ health needs are met while also assessing their quality of life throughout their time in the facility. Providing basic medical care is only one of the many responsibilities of an assisted living nurse; another of their key responsibilities is to provide continual evaluation to ensure that every individual’s needs are met and their health status has not changed.

Duties & Responsibilities

Nursing care at an assisted living community may include providing education, assisting them with medication management and assisting them with medical treatments that may be necessary. In addition to ensuring residents get individualized care, their responsibilities also include monitoring daily routines, reacting to crises and communicating with physicians and other members of the health care team. Though less demanding than hospital-based nursing, this position nevertheless requires the ability to manage a large group of residents, supervising the work of the client care assistants, , and communicate effectively so that they feel supported.

Education & Certifications

To work as a nurse at an assisted living facility, you need to have either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Furthermore, after completing a nursing degree, you will be required to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Additionally, certain states might have their own specific certification standards for assisted living and care establishments for older adults.

Key Skills & Characteristics

A few critical skills and characteristics are necessary for assisted living nurses to succeed in their role. Working with older people requires an extensive understanding of their physical and emotional needs, making empathy and patience essential. Proficiency in communication is crucial for nurses to engage with residents, families and healthcare teams efficiently. Given that many residents have long-term medical illnesses that need constant monitoring and treatment, understanding geriatric care and chronic sickness is essential. Ultimately, the capacity for multitasking and prioritization is essential in this position, as nurses often balance a variety of duties while making sure each resident gets individualized care. Together, these attributes support the development of a structured and caring environment for residents.

Steps to Become an Assisted Living Nurse

Getting started as an assisted living nurse is just the beginning of a fulfilling career where you’ll constantly grow and evolve. The journey doesn’t end once you complete your education and pass your exams. From staying current with healthcare advancements to deepening your expertise in geriatric care, there are endless ways to refine your skills and elevate your impact. Ready to take the first step? Let’s examine the steps to enter this career path.

1. Complete Your Nursing Education

Enroll in a nursing program to start, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The fundamental knowledge required for general nursing practice, which includes geriatric care, will be provided by these programs. Xavier University’s ABSN program delivers a curriculum composed of online-based nursing coursework, nursing simulation labs and clinical rotations.

2. Take the NCLEX®

The next stage is to pass the NCLEX exam after earning your degree. You must pass this standardized test to become certified as a registered nurse, and during your time as a Xavier ABSN student, you will have plenty of opportunities to study.

3. Acquire Geriatric or Assisted Living Nursing Certifications

Acquiring extra qualifications in long-term care or geriatric care nursing might help you stand out as an expert in this sector and increase your career prospects, though they are not always required.

4. Build Career-Specific Experience

Nurses experienced in the care of older adults or similar settings are preferred in many assisted living facilities. If you want to expand your skill set, think about working in a nursing home or obtaining experience in home health care.

Assisted Living Nurse Salary & Career Outlook

The income of nurses who work in assisted living facilities varies from state to state and even from organization to organization. Nurses in states with a higher cost of living may earn a higher salary. In accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for registered nurses, which includes those working in assisted living facilities, is $86,070 per year. The bureau does not specifically report assisted living nurse salary data. The total number of nurses in the workforce is also anticipated to increase by 6% through the year 2033. This indicates that this sector is both stable and expanding for nursing professionals.

Excited to Discover Your Future in Nursing?

Nurses in assisted living facilities play an important role in delivering compassionate and dedicated care to older adults. This may be the ideal career route for you if you have a strong desire to improve the lives of older individuals. Find out more about how Xavier University can assist you in realizing your nursing objectives and beginning to leave a lasting impression on living facilities for older people. Contact an admissions adviser today to start your career as a nurse!