Your Long-Term Care Nurse Career
Long-Term Care Nursing: Your Guide to Jobs in Long-Term Care Settings
Considering a career in long-term care nursing? Explore this guide to answer all your questions and learn what it’s like working as an LTC nurse. Jumpstart your search now and find nursing jobs that fit your professional and personal goals with CareerStaff.
What is Long-Term Care Nursing?
Long-term care (LTC) nurses provide medical care, rehabilitation services, and daily support to patients with chronic or progressive health conditions. Often, LTC nurses work with elderly patients, those with disabilities, or anyone who needs ongoing medical treatment and assistance with basic needs.
What Do LTC Nurses Do?
The primary responsibilities and duties of a nurse in a long-term care facility include:
- Administering medications, monitoring patient vitals, and assisting with therapeutic treatments.
- Coordinating care plans with staff and managing patient records.
- Assisting patients with daily needs, like bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Providing education and emotional support to both patients and families.
Long-Term Care Nursing F.A.Q
According to Salary.com, registered LTC nurses earn a median salary of $79,200, typically from $70,000 to $88,000, depending on location, experience level, and education.
LTC nurses typically work in community-based care facilities, such as:
● Assisted living facilities
● Nursing homes
● Rehabilitation centers
Many long-term care facilities require 24/7 assistance. Depending on the facility’s needs, you may work different shifts, such as days, nights, or weekends.
The nurse-to-patient ratio in long-term care facilities varies based on the size, number of patients, and state requirements. Since these ratios are critical to the quality of care, work with your healthcare recruiter to find nursing jobs with sufficient staffing and support.
Skills:
LTC nurses are leaders. They have strong interpersonal and communication skills, helping them collaborate with staff, comfort patients, and educate family members. Their critical thinking skills and commitment to continuing education can help them grow.
Requirements & Certifications:
You must be a licensed registered nurse (RN) with a degree from an accredited nursing program. Experience working with elderly patients or patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities can give you the skills you need to succeed in long-term care nursing.
You’re in it for the long haul! You can build a rewarding relationship with your patients and their families while gaining valuable experience in managing chronic health conditions. Due to the high demand, long-term care nursing also provides job security and competitive benefits packages.
Increased demand increases opportunities. Grow your long-term care nursing career by pursuing advanced certifications and degrees, such as gerontology, hospice, pain management, or chronic disease management.
Your Setting. Your Next Nursing Job.
Take Your Career to New Places with a Travel Nursing Assignment
Nurses who are open to travel nursing jobs can choose from assignments across the United States! At CareerStaff, we offer our travelers opportunities from coast to coast, along with great benefits including stipends for housing and travel. Learn more about traveling with CareerStaff here.
