Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide stable, appropriate care for their residents. Because they are in charge of the well-being of the elderly, nursing home staff need certain qualifications with which to provide this care. The facility’s administration should carefully review all potential employees when hiring staff members. When they fail to check credentials, they place their residents and your loved ones in danger.
Types of Nursing Home Staff
Many individuals in different positions must work together to ensure the facility provides appropriate care. Nursing home residents encounter different people on a daily basis. It is important to confirm that all the caretakers tasked with your loved one’s well-being have the training they need to provide qualified care.
Common staff positions in nursing homes include:
- Nurses – Registered nurses require between two to six years of education. Nurses can obtain either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and will need certification from the National Council Licensure Examination. Nurses monitor patient’s vital signs and catalog their medical history and symptoms. They also assess the needs of the nursing home residents, administer medication, draw blood, and perform diagnostic tests when needed.
- Nursing Assistants – Certified nursing assistants need training and must pass a state certification exam to obtain credentials for the position. CNAs assist licensed nurses in medical environments. They perform duties such as bathing, feeding, dressing, and transporting nursing home residents.
- Nursing Home Dietitian – To become a registered dietitian, one must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree. As a dietary consultant for nursing homes, an individual can be registered by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Dietetic Registration or receive specific training on the dietary needs of elders. Federal nursing homes are required by law to have a certified dietitian that works either full-time, part-time, or as a consultant. They help the facility work out appropriate nutrition and food plans.
- Administration and Support Staff – Administration and support staff differ from nursing home to nursing home. The number of people employed depends on how big the facility is. The administration is responsible for making sure the needs of each resident are met. Similarly, support staff make sure the facility is clean and up to health standards. While these individuals do not need certification, it is important they have experience.
Nursing homes require a certain number of staff members to be employed at all times. The number of residents and state law dictate what that requirement actually is. However, it is important that the individuals the nursing homes hire have experience and a clean record. Too often, elders suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of nursing home staff.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 842-6336
If you entrusted the care of your loved one to a nursing home, and they suffered because of the staff or nurses, you may be eligible to seek compensation. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially seniors. That is why we are not afraid to hold nursing homes accountable for any injuries sustained. Call today for a free consultation and allow us to work on your behalf!
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