What responsibilities do nurses have in a long-term care facility?

In a long-term care facility, nurses have a crucial role that includes assessing residents, creating individualized care plans, and administering treatments. This comprehensive responsibility is essential for monitoring the health and well-being of residents, who often have complex medical needs due to chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Assessing residents involves evaluating their physical and mental health conditions, identifying changes in their status, and determining the appropriate care required. Based on these assessments, nurses develop care plans tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring that all aspects of their health are addressed. Additionally, administering treatments, which includes giving medications, wound care, and other medical interventions, is a primary duty that directly impacts residents’ health outcomes.

Other responsibilities, such as providing companionship and managing dietary needs, are important but are typically not the primary focus of nursing staff. While nurses may assist with these aspects, their main duties are centered on clinical assessments and interventions to maintain and improve residents' health. Administrative tasks might also be part of a nurse's responsibilities, but they do not define the core of nursing care in long-term facilities.