The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants in nursing home is estimated at $28,530. While the average salary for an RN in Nursing Home in the United States is $62,936, but the range typically falls between $59,231 and $66,649.
Nursing homes pay LPNs an average salary of $43,090, slightly higher than the national average of $42,040 for all LPNs.
Nurses in nursing homes tend to require a different skill set from nurses in a hospital or clinic. Note that these specialized skills allow them to focus their care to the needs of their residents. And they also have more involvement in the case management of their residents.
Nursing care facilities, or nursing homes, are a significant employer of nurses in the United States. According to reports, they rank fourth in employment of registered nurses, employing more than 138,000 in 2010.
Have it in mind that among licensed practical and vocational nurses they are the top employer, accounting for more than 215,000 nursing jobs. Most of these are entry – level positions, and salaries are correspondingly modest.
There are basically three types of nurses in a nursing facility:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
But depending on the level of care rendered to its residents, a nursing home may employ all three nursing types or sometimes just CNA’s and one or two registered nurses.
Being an RN, LPN, or CNA in a nursing home is a huge responsibility as both the patient’s health and well being are the prime concern.
Some of these patients may or may not care for themselves and they are totally dependent on the staff for their care. A nursing-home nurse not only needs the proper education and degree for the job, they also need to be totally dedicated as their job can be very demanding.
Even though the primary job of a nurse working in a nursing home is to care for the needs of patients, each type of nurse has their own job description and different level of salary to expect.
How Much Do CNA and Nurses Make as Salary in a Nursing Home?
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CNA
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) positions are entry – level jobs in the nursing field. Most often, no prior healthcare work experience is needed aside from the classroom and practice hours needed to complete a state – approved CNA training program.
Some of the basic tasks a CNA might do are: changes bed sheets, bathe patients, change bed pans, feed patients, walk the patient, helps with personal hygiene, transport patients, and any other tasks that are designated by the LPN or RN.
Nonetheless, becoming a certified nursing assistant is an excellent way to quickly enter the healthcare profession, provide important basic care to patients in a nursing home, and determine if a career in nursing is right for you.
According to reports, the median annual wage for nursing assistants in nursing home is estimated at $28,530. However, the specific salary for a CNA will vary slightly based on factors like location and employer.
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RN
The Registered Nurse tends to have more training and education than other nurses. These are the nurses who are the supervisors and they work under the direct supervision of the medical doctor. Note that their professional title is usually Head Nurse.
They are responsible for overseeing the LPN’s and CNA’s by designating the nursing assignments and are also responsible for making up the working schedules. Aside from their supervisory role, RN’s have specific jobs to do. They are also responsible for the total care of the residents by initiating treatment plans and administering medicine.
These professionals also prepare IVS, draw blood, give injections, and taking vital signs. Their nursing responsibilities go even further as they are expected to monitor the health of their patients and to make sure they are getting the proper care.
Additionally, an RN is tasked with interacting with the patient’s family by reporting any changes in the patient’s health or living situation.
However, the average salary for an RN in Nursing Home in the United States is $62,936, but the range typically falls between $59,231 and $66,649. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors; including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
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LPN
The LPN’s role in a nursing home is direct bedside care. Note that under the supervision of the Head RN, LPNs carry out the routine care for their patients. Normally, they are tasked with the patient’s personal hygiene and day to day care.
LPNs have a very physically demanding job as they may be charged with getting the patient out of bed or moving the patient into a more comfortable position. They may work right alongside of an RN or work independently. LPNs are also in charge of taking the vital signs of the patient such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, oxygen level, and respiration.
They also give enemas, may initiate medicine, apply bandages and dressings, insert catheters, and monitor the IVS. In addition, they may feed the patients and record any changes in the patient’s health or vital signs. At the very basis, they are responsible for doing any tasks that need to be done for the sake of the patient’s comfort.
If a problem arises, the LPN always reports back to the RN in charge. Nursing homes pay LPNs an average salary of $43,090, slightly higher than the national average of $42,040 for all LPNs. The healthcare industry as a whole will grow substantially over the coming years as the baby boom generation ages.
This is reflected in strong job growth projections by experts and the growing American population. Indeed working in a nursing home is not for everyone. It takes a special person to care for the most vulnerable patients in their final years. But with the aging population, elderly patients will need nursing care now more than ever.
By 2050, the U.S. 65+ population will double from what it was in 2012 to a staggering 83.7 million. And even though many families would like to care for their aging relatives, they are not always able to do so themselves. That is where nursing homes come into play.
The aging population coupled with the national nursing shortage will create an even greater demand for healthcare professionals.
Working in a nursing home is special because you will become a member of the care team collectively taking care of your residents. And since these are long – term care residents, you will get to know them and their conditions much better than in other types of nursing positions. Everyone works together to provide the best care for the residents.