November 3rd, 2022
Older people often need medical and hospice staff to have a good and comfortable life in assisted living facilities. So, these groups usually hire nurses with a wide range of skills and experiences. Learn about what these nurses do and how they improve the lives of the people there.
What Are the Different Kinds of Nurses?
An assisted living organization often has a licensed practice nurse, a registered nurse, and a certified nurse assistant.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses oversee the other nurses in the assisted living facility. They work with other health care professionals to cater to each resident and plan for their unique needs. RNs are the most educated and trained of all nurses.
Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN)
LPNs work under the direction of a registered nurse. LPNs usually work with RNs to provide basic nursing care and medical procedures. They must receive basic education and training in nursing. They might have the most difficult tasks in ensuring the patient's comfort.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
A certified nurse assistant (CNA) is a trained medical professional who helps patients with basic care and mobility tasks. The state's Department of Health certifies CNAs after they finish a short training program and get a license. They are not allowed to give medical care independently, so they must work under the watch of a licensed nurse.
How Do Nurses Help Elderly People?
Registered nurses (RNs) provide the most advanced tasks for caring for elderly patients. They must be able to assess the needs of each resident and develop a plan of care that meets those needs. They must also be able to provide guidance and support to the facility's staff in providing care to residents.
RNs are responsible for assessing patients, developing care plans, and supervising LPNs and CNAs. RNs also provide direct care to patients. They can administer medication, track vital signs, and assess if they need extra care.
RNs must also decide on the level of care patients need. Thus, they communicate with other healthcare providers to ensure more enhanced treatment. For example, severe cases like dementia might need licensed mental healthcare professionals.
LPNs have less responsibility than RNs but more responsibility than CNAs. They work under the supervision of an RN. They provide both medical and emotional support to residents. They are responsible for taking vital signs, providing personal care, and administering medications.
CNAs have the least amount of responsibility for patient care. They work under an RN or LPN's supervision. They are responsible for bathing, dressing, and providing meals. Also, they can interact with patients by walking with them.
Assisted living nurses often interact with residents and their families. They must understand their needs and concerns and devise plans to address them. They must protect confidential information and the privacy of the residents. Thus, they must balance this task while providing families with the required information to decide on the care of their loved ones.
Assisted care facilities help families that find it difficult to take care of an elderly family member. So, they need staff with the training and experience to give care to and help older adults. They can help elderly residents live as independently as possible. Assisted care nurses are vital for elderly residents' social and emotional support. Thus, they can generate a sense of relief for their relatives.
If you have an elderly relative who requires specialized care and support, an assisted living facility can help you. Contact us at Haven in Allyn. We ensure elderly patients are comfortable, even with physical or cognitive difficulties. We look forward to meeting you and your elderly loved one.
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