Registered Nurses (RNs) are in high demand across the United States, particularly in senior living communities. These communities often need a large number of RNs to provide 24/7 care, and they offer competitive salaries to attract top talent. It’s important to understand the requirements for this job, as well as the opportunities available for career development. Let’s take a look at what an RN’s responsibilities are, and how they can further their careers.
What Does an RN Do?
RNs provide direct care to patients in senior living communities, including monitoring vital signs and administering medication. They also work with other members of the healthcare team – such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists and social workers – to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. In addition, they may be responsible for ordering tests and treatments, coordinating services with other departments or facilities, educating patients about their condition or care plan and providing emotional support to both patients and family members.
Career Options for RNs
There are several paths that an RN can take to further their career within the senior living community setting. For example, they can become a nurse manager or director of nursing services by taking on additional administrative duties such as managing budgets, hiring staff and creating policies. Alternatively, they can pursue specialized training in gerontology to become certified gerontological nurses; this certification provides additional credibility in the field of senior care as well as access to more advanced roles such as nurse practitioner or consultant. Finally, some RNs choose to return to school to obtain an advanced degree such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN), which will enable them to enter into management roles or teach at a university level.
Conclusion
As you can see from this overview, there is a lot of potential for career growth within the field of nursing in senior living communities. Experienced RNs who have specialized knowledge and skills will find that there is no shortage of opportunities available; however new graduates should keep in mind that certain jobs may require additional experience or education before applying. With dedication and commitment it is certainly possible for any motivated individual to find success within this field.
