A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for the coordination and performance of nursing activities in an assigned section/unit during a designated shift. In the absence of other senior management, an LPN may be responsible for oversight of the facility during certain shifts.

Education & Experience:
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program, which usually takes about one year to complete. He or she must then apply to the Nebraska Board of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective LPN must pass the NCLEX examination. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.

Starting Salary Average
$32,500

Next Steps
Registered Nurse
MDS Coordinator

A Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care to patients to ensure their comfort and well‐being. RNs administer prescribed medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, and maintain residents’ medical records upon observation. They also oversee other workers such as LPNs, MAs, and NAs and may assist a physician/medical director during treatment and examination of a resident.

Education & Experience:
A Registered Nurse (RN) candidate must complete a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes two to three years to complete, from a state-accredited nursing program. He or she must then apply to the Nebraska Board of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective RN must pass the NCLEX-RN examination. Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees are available.

Starting Salary Average
$43,500

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Preventionist
Dialysis
QAPI Certified Professional

Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Director of Nursing
Assistant Director of Nursing

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) to help insure continuity and quality of resident care. In the Director of Nursing’s absence, the ADON assumes responsibility for the nursing department.

Education & Experience:
An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Starting Salary Average
$46,800

Next Steps
Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for supervising all nursing staff, ensuring there is adequate nursing staff, and ensuring that the staff’s skills remain current in order to meet the needs of the residents and state and federal regulations. The DON oversees development and implementation of nursing policy and procedure and communication of the needs of the residents to the physicians.

Education & Experience:
A director of nursing must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess a minimum of five years’ experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Starting Salary Average
$55,580

Next Steps
Quality Assurance Nurse