Careers in
Nursing

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for the coordination and performance of nursing activities in an assigned section/unit during a designated shift. In the absence of other senior management, an LPN may be responsible for oversight of the facility during certain shifts.

Education & Experience:

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program, which usually takes about one year to complete. The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains licensure. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.

A Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care to patients to ensure their comfort and well‐being. RNs administer prescribed medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, and maintain residents’ medical records upon observation. They also oversee other workers such as LPNs and CNAs and may assist a physician/medical director during treatment and examination of a resident.

Education & Experience:

A Registered Nurse (RN) candidate must complete a four-year bachelor’s of science (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which typically takes two to three years to complete, or receive a diploma from a state-accredited nursing program. The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains Licensure. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.

The Unit Manager is responsible for supervising the nursing staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) on an assigned unit to ensure continuity and quality of resident care while promoting an environment of learning and independence.

Education & Experience:

A Unit Manager must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) to help ensure the continuity and quality of resident care. In the Director of Nursing’s absence, the ADON assumes responsibility for the nursing department.

Education & Experience:

An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

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 to meet the needs of the residents and state and federal regulations. The DON oversees the 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 and typically possess a minimum of five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

The Quality Assurance (QA) Nurse looks for ways to improve procedures within a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living community, with the goal of improving resident care. To meet the continued regulatory changes, the QA Nurse participates in the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies and procedures and continuing education related to professional standards of the nursing practice. QA Nurses are sometimes facility based but oversee multiple facilities.

Education & Experience:

QA Nurses must meet the registered nurse licensure requirements and have at least five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience included.