Inside Look: Nursing Home Staff Roles
Nursing homes are important healthcare facilities that provide round-the-clock care for elderly or disabled people who are unable to take care of themselves. To provide quality care, nursing homes require qualified and trained staff. So, in this article, we will discuss different types of nursing home staff, their roles and responsibilities.
Typical Roles of Nursing Home Staff
Registered nurses (RN):
Registered nurses are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed a nursing training program and passed a national licensure exam. They are responsible for managing patient care plans, administering medications, and providing medical care. RNs also supervise and train other nursing home staff, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs):
Licensed practical nurses are health care professionals like registered nurses, but who have completed a practical nursing program. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and provide basic nursing care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with personal hygiene.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs):
Certified nursing assistants must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. They assist nurses and nurse practitioners in providing basic care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients. They also help with mobility and transfers, monitor patients' health status, and report any changes to the nurses and nursing assistants.
Medical directors:
Medical directors are licensed physicians who oversee the medical care provided to patients in nursing homes. They work with the nursing home staff to develop patient care plans, prescribe medications, and monitor patients' health. Medical directors also provide guidance and support to nursing home staff and ensure that the facility is in compliance with all state and federal regulations. It is usually quite difficult to find such qualified specialists, but HospitalityHR's retirement home staffing services cover this problem as well.
Activity directors:
Activity directors are responsible for planning and implementing activities that promote the physical, mental and social well-being of the residents of a nursing home. They organize activities such as games, exercise, and arts and crafts. They also coordinate outings and other recreational activities for residents.
Social workers:
Social workers are health care professionals who help nursing home residents and their families navigate the health care system and access social services. They provide emotional support to residents and their families, help them cope with illness and disabilities, and provide counseling and referrals.
Dietary staff:
Dietary staff, including dietitians and food service workers, are responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals for nursing home residents. They work with the medical directors and nursing staff to develop meal plans that meet the dietary needs and preferences of the residents. Dietitians also make sure that all nutritional rules and guidelines are followed in the nursing home.
Conclusion
A variety of qualified and trained staff is needed to provide quality care for older people or people with disabilities in nursing homes. Nurses, RNs, LPNs, medical directors, activity directors, social workers, and dietary staff play a vital role in providing residents with the medical care, emotional support, and social activities they need. By working together, nursing home staff can provide a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for residents, while HospitalityHR can in turn provide qualified and dedicated staff for senior living facilities.