Should I submit a resume?

I would bring it to the LTC facility in person, ask if you could speak to the Manager/Director of Care, and hand it in person. Charge nurse if they are not available. I would not include references, but save those for if you get an interview. No harm in trying. Also do a follow up call, in a couple weeks if you have not heard anything.

Recently one of my relatives said that one of her nurse friends was leaving a local LTC facility to work at one of the hospitals. I do not know this friend, but I do know the name of the facility. Would it be improper to fax a cover letter and resume to this LTC in hopes that there might be an opening? If so, should I even attempt to explain how I was directed to their facility?

Blind resumes don't often work. And who knows where a FAX ends up.

This is a great opportunity to initiate the principles of networking! Ask your relative to contact her friend on your behalf. If friend agrees, call her and tell her you want to obtain information about the job market and different facilities in the area. Offer to take her for coffee or lunch. During the lunch, indicate that you'd like to apply at her facility as well as others in the area. Ask her if she can provide you a contact within the organization, and also if it would be OK for you to mention her name within the cover letter. An email, or mailing to "Jane Smith, DON" stating "Joan Jones suggested I contact you," is much more effective than a blind resume drop.

Believe me. This technique works.

Good Luck