The Role of Nurses in a Nursing Home

There are basically three types of nurses in a nursing facility: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and sometimes a Nurse Practioner (NP). Also, an RN who takes specialized graduate courses in geriatric care and obtains a certificate or degree are designated as a Gerontological Nurse.

The Registered Nurse usually has more training and education than other nurses. These are the nurses who are the supervisors and they work under the direct supervision of the medical doctor. Their professional title is usually Head Nurse. They are responsible for overseeing the LPN’s and CNA’s by designating the nursing assignments and are also responsible for making up the working schedules.

Aside from their supervisory role, RN’s have specific jobs to do. They are also responsible for the total care of the residents by initiating treatment plans and administering medicine. They also prepare IVs, draw blood, give injections, and taking vital signs. Their nursing responsibilities go even further as they are required to monitor the health of their patients and to make sure they are getting the proper care. In addition, an RN is responsible for interacting with the patient’s family by reporting any changes in the patients health or living situation.