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 graduate from a Wisconsin Board of Nursing-approved degree program. He or she must then apply to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) 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.

Salary Average
$41,500

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

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 and CNAs and may assist a physician/medical director during treatment and examination of a resident.

Education & Experience:
A Registered Nurse (RN) candidate must graduate from a Wisconsin Board of Nursing-approved degree program. He or she must then apply to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) 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.

Salary Average
$50,000

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Unit Manager
Assistant Director of Nursing

The Unit Manager 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 Unit Manager must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$55,000

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

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 must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$63,000

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

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
$83,000

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Other Possibilities
Quality Assurance Nurse