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Caregiving and Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse

In senior living, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are essential to ensuring residents have access to high-quality care. They may work under the direction of and in partnership with Registered Nurses and Doctors. LPNs and LVNs play critical role in providing seniors comfort, knowledge, and consistency in their care.

Essential Responsibilities May Include:
  • Monitor and track residents’ health, including vital signs.
  • Understand residents’ health challenges, keep records, and support engagement with the appropriate medical professionals.
  • Provide basic comfort care including bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • Discuss care with residents and their loved ones.
  • Collaborate with Nurses and Doctors to provide care.
  • Depending on state regulations and community practices, LPNs may administer medication to patients, start intravenous (IV) drops, and support other medical care.
  • Supervise Nursing Aides or Caregivers.
Sample Job Titles

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Requirements

LPNs and LVNs are required to maintain a state license, which may include completion of a state-approved diploma or certificate program. Additional certifications, such as gerontology and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may also be required.

Number Employed
52,085
Number of Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (2018)
Approximate Median Wage Per Hour
$22.19

Registered Nurse

In senior living, Registered Nurses are essential to ensuring residents have access to high-quality care. In many cases, RNs are the highest-credentialed medical professionals in a senior living community.

Essential Responsibilities May Include:
  • Assess residents at admission and on a continual basis, and create plans of service for residents.
  • Coordinate healthcare services provided through different sources, which may include physical therapy, home health, hospice, and other services.
  • Monitor and track residents’ health, including vital signs.
  • Discuss care with residents and their loved ones.
  • Depending on state regulations and community practices, RNs may administer medication to patients, start intravenous (IV) drops, and support other medical care.
  • Supervise LPNs/LVNs, Nursing Aides, and other caregiving staff.
  • Evaluate when residents are no longer suitable for care at the community, and coordinate discharge or transfer, as necessary.
Sample Job Titles

Registered Nurse, Resident Care Director, Resident Services Director, Director of Nursing

Requirements

Registered Nurses must maintain a state license, which includes completion of a state-approved degree and additional certification.

Number Employed
35,115
Number of Registered Nurses in Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (2019)
Approximate Median Wage Per Hour
$34.45

Caregiver

In senior living, whenever there is a need for personal care, Nursing Aides and Caregivers answer the call. Nursing Aides and Caregivers provide essential basic care support to seniors to ensure they can complete the activities of daily living.

Essential Responsibilities May Include:
  • Assist residents with cleaning, bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom.
  • Understand patients’ health challenges and support engagement with the appropriate medical professionals.
  • Track and measure patients’ vital signs as defined by certification.
  • Mobilize patients around their places of residence.
  • Provide residents with medications and dosages as prescribed by their physician and as permitted by state regulation.
Sample Job Titles

Caregiver, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Personal Care Aide, Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Resident Care Assistant (RCA), Medication Aide, Medication Technician, Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), Certified Medication Assistant (CMA)

Requirements

Many senior living communities will hire caregivers without prior experience or medical skills. Some communities may require or prefer a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or other certification. In some cases, the employer will provide training to earn required credentials. In some states, there are additional certifications and training needs for Medication Aides to administer medication.

Number Employed
415,673
Number of Nursing Assistants, Personal Care Aides, and Home Health Aides in Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (2019)
Approximate Median Wage Per Hour
$11.04 to $13.23

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