Role of the Registered Nurse in an Assisted Living Facility – Updated for 2023

An assisted living facility is a residential option for many older adults and retirees living in the United States. Day-to-day activities become a struggle for many seniors, particularly those who are diagnosed with medical conditions — with an assisted living facility, people in their sunset years are able to receive all the help they can get, from medical care to assistance in daily tasks such as cooking meals, taking a bath, and even getting to the bathroom.

Assisted living facilities is different from retirement villages and communities — the former usually offer a more personalized services based on the needs of the seniors. Another difference is the residential structure. Most assisted living facilities consist of rooms and shared rooms, unlike in retirement villages where most residents have their own separated apartments.

Nursing staff in assisted living facilities often include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. In a typical setting, physicians or registered nurses supervise licensed practical nurses, who are primarily responsible for monitoring patients, administering medical services, and updating health records. Certified nursing assistants, on the other hand, provide personalized care to residents, assisting them in daily living tasks.

Provision of medical care is one of the services in assisted living, making nursing staff a staple in such facilities. Assisted living facilities often seek nurses with long-term care skills. These nurses contribute to the round-the-clock health and personal care services for seniors residing in the facilities.