Resident Care & Nursing
The resident care and nursing teams are the heart of long-term care. Residents typically move into care communities because they need assistance in their daily lives or support with their health needs. Resident care and nursing teams meet those needs every day with kindness, compassion, and care.
Direct Care Worker
Medication Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Direct Care Worker
Work closely with residents to ensure they are safe, well cared for, and retain dignity and independence in their daily lives.
Direct care workers provide personal care and support for residents living in community-based care settings. They provide care with kindness, empathy, and compassion in a way that helps the residents retain their dignity and independence.
Direct care workers really get to know the people they care for. They learn their personalities, senses of humor, personal preferences, and listen to their stories. Their work provides the opportunity to create meaningful connections and have a real impact on the quality of life of the people in their care.
Becoming a direct care worker is a great way to gain experience in resident care and health services with on-the job training. Many long-term care communities offer opportunities to start in this role right away with no prior experience and there’s a wide variety of career opportunities to explore from here.
Typical Activities
- Support independence while assisting residents with personal care and activities of daily living, including meals, bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, elimination, and mobility.
- Follow resident care plans to provide the appropriate level of assistance for each resident according to their abilities and personal preferences.
- Observe, document, and report changes in the residents’ health and emotional well-being.
- Follow community policies and guidelines to ensure residents’ health, safety, and quality of life.
- Contribute to creating a safe and homelike care and living environment.
- Uphold and advocate for resident rights and privacy.
Certification & Licensing
- Unlicensed
Requirements
- On-the-job training
Skills
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Kindness
- Observation
- Patience
- Teamwork
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
Also Known As
- Caregiver
- Care Partner
- Resident Assistant
Current Opportunities
Medication Technician
Protect the safety and well-being of residents by accurately administering the medications and treatments ordered by their health care providers.
Medication technicians, commonly referred to as med techs, are direct care workers who have completed additional on-the-job training to safely administer medications under the direction of a licensed nurse. They help protect the safety and well-being of residents by accurately administering medications and treatments ordered by health care providers to the right person, at the right time, and as directed.
Med techs have an important role in preventing medication errors which protects the health and quality of life of the people they care for. This is a good role for people who value accuracy, are detailed oriented, and can communicate effectively with residents and leadership. A med tech may go on to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), resident care coordinator, or explore a variety of other career opportunities in long-term care.
Typical Activities
- Follow community guidelines and compliance standards to administer medications and treatments safely and accurately as prescribed by a licensed health care provider.
- Accurately document administered or refused medications and treatments.
- Document the effectiveness of medications, being especially observant of any adverse side effects.
- Monitor for and report changes in condition to the supervising nurse.
- Prevent medication errors by following policies and procedures and communicating effectively.
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with staff, residents, and family members.
- Support residents’ rights, independence, and dignity.
Certification & Licensing
- Unlicensed
Requirements
- On-the-job training
Skills
- Accuracy
- Accountability
- Communication
- Observation
- Organization
- Teamwork
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
Also Known As
- Med Tech
Current Opportunities
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Provide daily personal care and healthcare in skilled nursing facilities under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work in skilled nursing facilities, and sometimes community-based care settings, under the supervision and direction of a licensed nurse. They provide quality personal care and support for residents receiving short-term rehabilitative care after a hospital stay and residents who need long-term skilled nursing care.
CNAs, like direct care workers, assist with activities of daily living, including meals, bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, elimination, and mobility. They help residents lead their daily lives with independence and dignity and often build rewarding connections along the way.
CNA training programs can be completed in less than a year. Working as a CNA is a great way to discover if healthcare and nursing are your passions. There are many life-long CNAs who love the impact and connections they have working closely with residents. This work can also be a step toward becoming a certified medication aide (CMA), licensed nurse, or toward other leadership roles in long-term care.
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) regulates CNA training, CNA certification, and scope of work a CNA can perform in Oregon. Visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for a list of approved training programs.
Typical Activities
- Promote independence while assisting residents with personal care and activities of daily living including meals, bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, elimination, and mobility.
- Follow resident care plans to provide the appropriate level of assistance for each resident according to their abilities and personal preferences.
- Observe and documents resident health and emotional conditions and reports changes.
- Ensure resident health and safety by following community policies and guidelines.
- Contribute to creating a safe and comfortable care and living environment.
- Uphold and advocate for resident rights and privacy.
Certification Requirements
- Complete an OSBN-approved training program of at least 155 hours, consisting of a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and 75 hours of clinical training. Some programs offer online instruction to meet the classroom requirements.
- Pass the Oregon competency exam within one year of application for certification. There is no limit to the number of passing attempts allowed within one year.
Long-term Care Works offers a CNA apprenticeship program and many employers offer CNA training programs to help you obtain certification while working in their facilities.
Certification & Licensing
- CNA certification by the Oregon State Board of Nursing
Skills
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Compassion
- Observation
- Patience
- Teamwork
Care Settings
- Skilled Nursing
Current Opportunities
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
Administer medications and treatments in skilled nursing facilities under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) are certified nursing assistants who have completed additional training and received certification to perform medication administration. CMAs administer medications and treatments as ordered by health care providers to residents in skilled nursing facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
CMAs are responsible and accountable for protecting the health, safety, and quality of life of the residents by preventing medication errors and providing person-centered care with kindness and empathy. Like other members of the resident care team, CMAs have the same opportunity to build meaningful connections with the people they care for and get to see the impact of their work on the residents’ lives every day.
Becoming a CMA is a great way to gain skills and experience in medication administration. CMAs often go on to become licensed nurses and pursue other leadership positions in long-term care.
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) regulates CMA training, CMA certification, and the scope of work a CMA can perform in Oregon. Visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for a list of approved training programs.
Typical Activities
- Prepare and administer non-injectable medications and treatments as ordered by health care providers.
- Accurately document administered or refused medications and treatments.
- Document the effectiveness of medications, being especially observant of any adverse side effects.
- Monitor for and report changes in condition to the supervising nurse.
- Coordinate with nursing team and on-site pharmacy to ensure medications are stocked and maintained.
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with staff, residents, and family members.
Certification Requirements
- Hold a current unrestricted Oregon CNA certification.
- Complete an OSBN-approved training program of at least 84 hours of instruction, consisting of a minimum of 60 hours of classroom and lab instruction and at least 24 hours of clinical training.
- Pass an OSBN-approved competency exam within one year of completion of the CMA training program.
Certification & Licensing
- CMA Certification by the Oregon State Board of Nursing
Skills
- Accuracy
- Accountability
- Communication
- Observation
- Organization
- Teamwork
Care Settings
- Skilled Nursing
Related Careers
Current Opportunities
Licensed Practical Nurse
Provide compassionate hands-on nursing care and monitor conditions under the direction of a registered nurse or physician.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide hands-on nursing care to residents under the supervision or at the direction of a registered nurse or physician. They participate in care planning, monitor residents’ health and wellbeing, and communicate about treatment and care outcomes with residents and their families so that they can make informed decisions about health and care goals.
LPNs supervise the resident care team and make sure residents are comfortable and well cared for. They lead by example and provide mentorship and support to help staff communicate effectively and deliver high-quality care using a team approach.
LPN training programs can be completed in one to two years, making this one of the fastest ways to learn clinical skills and begin working as a licensed nurse in long-term care. Becoming an LPN provides the opportunity to build nursing and leadership skills for a rewarding career in care and can be a pathway to higher leadership roles or to becoming a registered nurse or nurse practitioner.
The Oregon State Board of Nursing regulates LPN training, LPN certification, and the scope of work an LPN can perform in Oregon. Visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for a list of Oregon approved nursing education programs.
Typical Activities
- Coordinate and communicate with nursing leadership and care staff to plan daily services, programs, and activities to provide high-quality, person centered care for each resident.
- Plan, organize, and implement programs, polices, and procedures necessary to provide quality care.
- Make daily rounds to ensure nursing and resident care teams are providing care in accordance with the resident care plans.
- Monitor residents for change in condition.
- Administer medications and treatments and perform procedures in accordance with care plans.
- Complete record keeping required for admitting, transferring, and discharging residents.
- Accurately chart notes to accurately reflect care provided and the resident’s response to care.
- Monitor and evaluate staff performance and provide feedback and training that helps staff feel supported and provides quality assurance.
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with staff, residents, and family members.
Certification Requirements
- Complete an OSBN-approved training program.
- Apply for licensure and register with the OSBN.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam. There is a 45 day waiting period to retake the NCLEX-PN exam.
Certification & Licensing
- LPN licensure by the Oregon State Board of Nursing
Skills
- Communication
- Compassion
- Composure
- Leadership
- Patience
- Time management
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
- Skilled Nursing
Current Opportunities
Registered Nurse
Supervise and train the nursing and resident care teams and conduct assessments, develop care plans, and evaluate outcomes that ensure the health and well-being of each resident.
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide compassionate person-centered care in skilled nursing facilities and community-based care settings to maintain the highest level of health and wellness in the residents’ daily lives. They are licensed to conduct their nursing practice independently. RNs are responsible for assessing residents’ condition, planning care, evaluating outcomes, and communicating changes in health to families and health care providers.
RNs supervise the care provided by the nursing and resident care teams. They provide training, feedback, and mentorship to ensure staff are supported to do their jobs well. RNs are responsible for ensuring each resident receives the best possible care according to their health needs, personal preferences, and abilities.
Many RNs choose to work in long-term care over other health care settings because they have the opportunity to provide care for and get to know the residents over a longer duration of time and provide holistic and responsive care.
A career as a registered nurse in long-term care can be incredibly rewarding and career growth opportunities include becoming resident care manager, nursing home administrator, or pursuing a specialization as a gerontological nurse.
Registered Nurses are licensed to conduct nursing practices independently. The Oregon State Board of Nursing provides licensing and regulates the scope of nursing practice an RN can perform.
Visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for a list of approved nursing education programs in Oregon.
Typical Activities
- Perform resident assessments and participate in initial and ongoing service planning.
- Monitor status of resident’s health condition and initiate actions in response to changing needs.
- Prepare, coordinate, and implement direct care and health care services.
- Train, supervise, and oversee the daily care performed by nursing and resident care teams.
- Keep required records of resident admissions, transfers, and discharges.
- Coordinate daily shift services, programs, and activities to ensure residents care is maintained.
- Serve as liaison between facility, family, and medical personnel.
- Coordinate with other community health care professionals.
- Ensure completion of state-required documentation and forms
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with staff, residents, and family members.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of community policies and procedures.
Certification Requirements
- Earn a degree from an accredited program.
- Submit application for licensure and register with OSBN.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam. There is a 45 day waiting period to retake the NCLEX-PN exam.
Certification & Licensing
- RN licensure by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
Skills
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Compassion
- Documentation
- Leadership
- Organization
- Teamwork
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
- Skilled Nursing
Also Known As
- Charge Nurse