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 successfully complete State Boards and licensure to be eligible to practice as an LPN in Georgia. Through Georgia’s High Demand Career Initiative, the HOPE Scholarship Program will pay 100% of tuition costs for individuals participating in LPN programs through the Technical College System of Georgia. 

Salary Average
$21.44 per hour

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 and CNAs 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’s of science (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which typically takes two to three years to complete, or receive a diploma from a state-accredited nursing program. He or she must then 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.

Salary Average
$30.62 per hour

Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Nursing Supervisor
Assistant Director of Nursing

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a clinical data set that is part of the standardized Resident Assessment Instrument that is federally mandated to establish baseline and periodic assessments of all residents/patients residing in a skilled nursing facility. The MDS facilitates care plan development and key MDS elements are foundational to case mix and reimbursement methodologies. MDS coordinators administer the MDS process for patients and residents and the lead the interdisciplinary team in assessment and care planning.

Education & Experience:
MDS coordinators typically meet the licensed or registered nurse licensure requirements and have additional training and certification as an MDS coordinator.

Salary Average
$68,000 per year

The Nursing Supervisor is responsible for supervising the nursing staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) on an assigned unit to ensure continuity and quality of resident care while promoting an environment of learning and independence.

Education & Experience:
A Nursing Supervisor must meet the licensed or registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$48,900 – $64,400 per year

Next Steps
Assistant Director of Nursing
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 is usually a registered nurse and typically possesses three to five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$76,100 per year

Next Steps
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator

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.

Salary Average
$97,600 per year

Next Steps
Quality Assurance Nurse