15 Great Nursing Careers in Assisted Living Settings

In assisted living facilities, nurses have various career paths they can follow. Some roles demand additional certifications, while others are suitable for RNs, LPNs, or CNAs. Assisted living facilities are homes for elderly individuals who can’t live independently due to illnesses or disabilities. Nurses in these settings focus on enhancing patients’ health and overall quality of life in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.

Opting for a nursing role in an assisted living community offers several benefits. Nurses are in high demand, and they can choose from diverse specialized positions. This environment enables nurses to build strong, long-term connections with patients.

Keep reading to explore nursing careers available in assisted living and nursing homes that cater to nurses from different backgrounds.

1. Director of Nursing, Assisted Living

A director of nursing is responsible for overseeing the operations of an assisted living facility and supervising the healthcare staff.

Main duties include:

– Recruiting, training, and managing staff
– Ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and care plans
– Resolving conflicts
– Building relationships with patients, families, and doctors
– Managing the facility’s budget and business plan

Requirements: To become a nursing director in an assisted living facility, you need an active registered nurse (RN) license, two years of clinical experience, and an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and some highly value a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a master of business administration with a healthcare or nursing focus.

Salary: According to January 2022 data from Payscale, the annual base salary for this role can reach up to $87,000, with an average annual salary of $63,730, varying based on education, experience, and facility size.

2. Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses specialize in the physical, mental, and emotional health of elderly patients. In assisted living facilities or nursing homes, nurses with this specialization promote independence and healthy habits.

Requirements: This role requires an active RN license and an associate degree in nursing (ADN) at minimum. However, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), a master’s degree, and/or gerontological nursing board certification can open up more job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.

Salary: In January 2022, the average base salary for an RN with geriatric skills is $69,120 a year, or $30.07 an hour, according to Payscale. Earnings can vary from $49,000 to $92,000 based on experience and education.

3. Long-term Care Nurse

Long-term care nurses work with patients who require assistance due to illness or disability in assisted living communities and care homes. These nurses, often RNs, usually undergo additional training to care for elderly or individuals with mental and physical conditions.

Requirements: A long-term care nurse needs an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an active RN license. However, some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master’s degree.

Salary: An RN with long-term care skills earns an average annual salary of $64,370, or $29.85 an hour, as of January 2022 based on Payscale data. Salaries range from $43,000 to $89,000, depending on experience and education.

4. Wellness Nurse

Wellness nurses help elderly patients lead healthier lives by promoting positive habits.

Requirements: While licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can become wellness nurses, most employers prefer ADN RNs with two years of clinical experience working with an aging population.

Salary: On average, a wellness nurse earns $77,770 a year or $37 an hour as of January 2022, according to ZipRecruiter. Salaries range from $28,000 to $127,000.

5. Critical Care Nurse

Most critical care nurses work in hospital intensive or critical care units. Some also find roles in assisted living facilities, where they monitor elderly patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

Requirements: Similar to many nursing home careers, this position requires an ADN or a BSN and an active RN license. The certified critical care registered nurse credential can enhance employment prospects.

Salary: The average base hourly rate for a critical care nurse in January 2022 is $33.11, resulting in an annual salary of $71,330 and a range of $55,000 to $112,000 based on Payscale figures.

6. Nurse Advocate

Nurse advocates serve as intermediaries between healthcare professionals, patients, and their families. They help patients and families understand medical procedures, care, and billing. Nurse advocates may also explore alternative treatments and act as sponsors.

Requirements: A nurse advocate must be a licensed RN with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Some also take courses related to financial and social issues in healthcare.

Salary: On average, nurse advocates earned an annual base salary of $66,800 in January 2022, with a range of $45,000 to $93,000, according to Payscale.

7. Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric nurses assist patients in managing mental health issues, therapy appointments, and crisis interventions. In assisted living settings, they often work with patients struggling with dementia, anxiety, or depression.

Requirements: Psychiatric nurses need an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) along with a valid RN license. Some facilities may require the psychiatric mental health nurse certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Salary: The average base hourly rate for psychiatric nurses in January 2022 was $32.61 an hour, as per Payscale.

8. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who work under the supervision of or in collaboration with physicians. NPs provide patient care by diagnosing conditions, scheduling tests, and prescribing medications.

Requirements: Prospective NPs need an RN license and a master of science in nursing (MSN). Some states prefer a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). NPs must also earn the certified nurse practitioner credential.

Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for an NP is $117,670, or $56.67 an hour.

9. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses possess specialized clinical skills and offer empathy and compassion to cancer patients. They provide high-quality care using a multidisciplinary approach.

Requirements: Oncology nurses require an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) along with an RN license. Some opt for an oncology certified nurse certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

Salary: In January 2022, Payscale reported the average base hourly pay for an oncology nurse as $34.06, resulting in an annual salary of $76,350. Salaries vary from $59,000 to $103,000.

10. Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses assess patients’ pain levels and develop treatment plans to alleviate their discomfort. Treatment may involve medications or nonpharmaceutical therapies such as acupuncture, massage, spinal blocks, or relaxation techniques.

Requirements: An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a valid RN license are necessary. Some choose to pursue a pain management nursing certification.

Salary: According to Indeed, the average base salary for a pain management nurse was $101,790 in January 2022.

11. Travel Nurse

Due to the pandemic and a global nursing shortage, the demand for travel nurses has surged. These nurses take on temporary, short-term RN assignments at facilities across the country.

Requirements: Like many nursing home careers, travel nurses need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an RN license.

Salary: Travel nurse salaries vary based on assignment type and length, with Payscale data indicating an average hourly pay of $36.37, resulting in an annual salary of $80,890.

12. Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses (PHNs) in assisted living settings focus on the community’s health instead of individual patients. They promote health, prevent disease, educate community members, and develop programs to encourage healthy practices.

Requirements: A PHN needs at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an active RN license. Certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners is recommended.

Salary: In January 2022, the median annual base salary for a PHN was $61,070, or $29.47 an hour. The salary range varies from $47,000 to $92,000 based on experience, education, and certification.

13. Certified Nursing Assistant

Certain nursing home careers, such as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), do not require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). CNAs provide basic care to patients under a nurse’s supervision. They assist with daily activities, take vital signs, answer calls, and support nurses in non-nursing tasks.

Requirements: CNAs need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Following this, they must complete a CNA program at an accredited school approved by the state board.

Salary: The median hourly pay for a CNA is $14.82 an hour, or $30,830 annually.

14. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in CA and TX, work under the guidance of an RN. Their responsibilities include checking vital signs, changing dressings, inserting catheters, maintaining health records, collecting specimens, and discussing care plans with patients.

Requirements: LPNs require a diploma in practical nursing from an approved educational program and must pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Salary: The median pay for an LPN is $23.47 an hour, or $48,820 annually.

15. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice nurses who manage patient care independently or under a physician’s direction. They diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, and educate patients.

Requirements: A CNS should maintain an active RN license and hold a master of science in nursing (MSN), although some state boards may require a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). APRN certification is also necessary.

Salary: The median annual salary for APRNs such as nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists is $117,670, according to the BLS.