A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) collaborates in the development and modification of the registered nurse’s or advanced practice nurse’s comprehensive nursing plan of care for all types of residents/clients and implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated. He or she may be in charge of a designated area/unit and be responsible for coordinating and performing nursing activities as well as supervising the CNAs assigned to that area/unit.

Education & Experience:
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program. He or she must then register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and pass the exam to obtain a license to practice. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available through the Maitland-Warner Long Term Care Nurses Scholarship Fund and the Long Term Care Nurses Association Scholarship.

Salary Average
$52,500

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Registered Nurse
MDS Coordinator

A Registered Nurse (RN) provides full range of nursing care and is responsible for the development of the comprehensive nursing assessment and of a plan of nursing care to be integrated into the patient-centered health care plan, which establishes nursing diagnoses, sets goals to meet identified health care needs, determines nursing interventions and implements nursing care through the execution of nursing strategies and regimens ordered or prescribed by authorized health care professionals. RNs also oversee other workers such as LPNs and CNAs.

Education & Experience:
A Registered Nurse (RN) candidate must complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), a four-year bachelor’s of nursing degree (BSN) or a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). He or she must then register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and pass the exam to obtain a license to practice. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available through the Maitland-Warner Long Term Care Nurses Scholarship Fund and the Long Term Care Nurses Association Scholarship.

Salary Average
$65,500

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Assistant Director of Nursing

In Illinois, in skilled nursing facilities of 100 or more occupied beds, there shall be an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), who is a registered nurse. This person is required to meet the qualifications of the director of nursing (as specified in Part 300.1220 of the Administrative Code for Long Term Care Facilities in Illinois). The responsibilities of the ADON may vary depending on facility/corporate job descriptions.

Education & Experience:
An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements. Several years of experience in the clinical setting and some management experience are generally preferred.

Salary Average
$73,000

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for supervising all nursing staff, ensuring there is adequate nursing staff, and ensuring that the staff’s skills remain current in order to meet the needs of the residents and state and federal regulations. The DON oversees development and implementation of nursing policy and procedure and communication of the needs of the residents to the physicians.

Education & Experience:
A director of nursing must meet the registered nurse education requirements. Several years of experience in the clinical setting and some management are preferred.

Salary Average
$85,500

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Quality Assurance Nurse