RN responsibilities in LTC

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I'm a new RN considering to apply for a position in LTC. However, I admit that I'm not very clear about the responsibilities on an RN in LTC, since it seems that most is done by aids and LVNs/LPNs and RNs hold mainly office jobs. I have seen nursing homes advertis positions for RNs without specifying that it would be a management position, so I'm a bit confused.

Also, what exactly would a LTC weekend supervisor do, and would a new grad be qualified for this position?

I am an RN/Charge nurse .........and work the floor passing meds, etc while being the charge nurse. I work with an LPN who has more experience than I and I go to her for advice quite a bit. I'm so tired of the LPN/RN

I too work as a Charge nurse (RN) in LTC and the LPN's and even CNA's that have more experience than me are my saviors! The title means nothing! If you have 20 years experience as a CNA I bet you could teach a new MD a thing or two! :eek::lol2:

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

When you get hired as an RN at an LTC, keep a copy of your job description and responsibilities. Upon interview, they always make it sound so light and simple. When 1st day of orientation starts, you're on your way out the door. That is always the scenario at my workplace. In my batch of new hires, only 3 of us stayed out of 10. I'm an RN and work on an LPN's pay since I have no US work experience, I was regarded as a new grad. RNs in my facility watch out the staff, do compliance reports, take care of the call-ins and work behind the med cart when nobody can come in. Sometimes they read PPDs, deal with family's complaints and grievanve, help out with admissions and change overs. It may sound simple but it's a great amount of responsibility. I hope you would enjoy your RN job. Good luck!

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

As I am reading almost all of the replies, I noticed that the topic is taken waay too far than it's supposed to be. The OP is asking about the RN's responsibilities in an LTC not the 'who-can-assess-better-test'. The title that comes after your name doesn't make you much better than the other, it's the experience that counts. You may have a font size 20 RN written on your badge but doesn't make you much superior to look down on people.

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It is the opposite in my facility. I think most LPNs are really good at the clinical/hands on skills but an RN has more education in general to make assessments and provide education. I think if an LPN went to school to be an RN, they would see that there really is a difference.

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But the title does count. It implies scope of practice and education. RN's are educated more on physiology, communication, teaching an assessment. It doesn't mean they always practice what they know but they have been educated on these things. It does make a difference. LPNs are usually better at the hands-on clinical skills.

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As long as everyone is operating within their scope of practice, it shouldn't matter. Problems arise when people try to do things they are not licensed to do or do not know how to do regardless of license. No one is better than anyone but the scope of practice is different based on education and people need to practice accordingly for safety/legal purposes. There is more difference between an RN an LPN than just giving IV push and TPN. If an RN makes a mistake, the LPN will not be held accountable but if the other way around, the RN is held accountable.

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Most LPN's who go back to school to be an RN realize how big the difference is in terms of critical thinking and education. It is not just the 9 months of school. The education is intensive and from what I have heard quite different. It would be like a CNA saying an LPN only has a few more months of education than they do and thus they should be able to perform the same duties. I thought RN's were barely educated and their job was easy until I became one! Horizontal violence should never occur in the work place but their is a hierarchy for a reason. For someone to say they do not like LPN's or CNA's based on the few they have met is no different than saying they do not like someone of a different race or religion based on the actions of a few people. It is wrong. I ne

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If have met enough to form my opinion that LPN's and CNA's are trouble and I choose to stay away from them. I only speak to them on a professional basis and that is it.

The more of your responses that I read convinces me that you are a troll and possibly not even a nurse, but just here to stir things up. Sadly, it seems as though you have achieved this goal with so many people upset with your posts. Perhaps you could go to another forum and leave the grown ups alone.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I just posted in the general nursing about this topic. I am a new grad ADN and I am pretty sure I can get this job at a facility that is on the same campus as a hosp. They do some LTC, but just built a huge rehab wing. I just don't know what to expect. I will ask, in detail, my job description. The DON is a former clinical instructor and a great teacher. That is really the only reason I am considering it (that, and the fact that I REALLY need a job :) )

In clinical, I learned how to make friends with the CNAs, I work as a Home Health aide until I can get my license. I do hate to see the tension between everyone, but not naive to think we are all going to get along.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I'm at my second LTC facility. The RN has the same basic duties as the LPN: med pass, treatments, admits, etc. If you work PMs or NOCs, and you're the only RN on, your responsibility is for the entire building. You have to keep an eye on what's going on with the residents and staff. Both facilities I've worked in hire new grads, and know that experience comes with time. It took me about a year to start feeling confident in my position.

That only happened because I relied on the staff. The CNAs are the best source of information about the residents. Many have been with the people for quite a while and if you want to know what's going on, they'll tell you! The experienced LPNs have been a godsend to me as well. Ask them, too.

Starting as a new nurse, whether you're an LPN or an RN, is daunting. We all do it though. Oh, and bring treats! It's a great way to show appreciation:).

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.
Working in a nursing home is exhausting! Dealing with the families who won't or can't take care of their loved ones at home then they criticze you for what you are doing, The LPNs are jealous of the RN supervisor who has this enormous responsibility on her shoulder with a DON who doesn't support you. If an LPN doesn't show up for work you are supposed to pass meds and be the supervisor. Dont do it - you will be burned out in three months guaranteed!

I know this is a very old post but I had to say something. The comment about LPNs being jealous of the RN Supervisors is very, very unfair and frankly, very rude. I am a LPN and am in no way, shape or form jealous of the RN Supervisors I work with. In fact, I admire them for their ability to juggle so many responsibilties at once, and am thankful they are there for support and as back up to handle the things the LPN just does not have the time to do and/or is not within the scope of practice of the LPN.

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