The population of Americans over age 65 is expected to double by 2050, and seniors over 85 are expected to account for 4.5% of that total population. It is no surprise that the demand for assisted living facilities and assisted living nurses in Denver is on the rise. Demand is gaining speed with impressive developments in the long-term care field and advancements in medical care, helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Over the last couple of decades, the industry has undergone a transformation, becoming unrecognizable to the assisted living facilities of the past. This makes them attractive not only as a living community for seniors but also as a desirable career option for doctors, assisted living nurses, therapists, other care workers, and other professionals.

Responsibilities for RNs in Assisted Living Communities

Registered Nurses (RNs) have a specific role in helping to run assisted living facilities, often with the title of Head Nurse or Director of Nursing, and their responsibilities can differ slightly among communities, but typically include:

• Designating Nursing Assignments and Creating Work Schedules
• Managing the Total Care of Residents, Including Creating and Implementing Care Plans (which include administering medication, preparing IVs, drawing blood, giving injections, and monitoring vital signs)
• Supervision of assisted living nurses such as the LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants)
• Monitoring Residents to Assess the Effectiveness of Their Care Plans and Medication
• Cohesive Oversight of Residents’ Health (monitoring and ensuring a high standard of care)
• Completing Clinical Assessments of Residents’ Health Status
• Interacting with Residents’ Families and Reporting Changes In Their Health or Care Plans
• Ensuring Continuity of Care by Building Relationships With Each Resident (To understand their needs and their healthcare as a whole)