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Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide specialized care for individuals needing daily assistance and medical support. Skilled nursing facilities offer a range of essential services including continuous medical care, rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and comprehensive nursing care.

Skilled nursing facilities overview

Skilled nursing facilities come with unique characteristics that differentiate them from other healthcare settings. Here are some key facts about SNFs:

• Levels of care: SNFs provide various levels of care, from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care.
• Type of care provided: Facilities offer skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services.
• Resident population: The primary resident population includes elderly individuals, though younger adults with disabilities or special medical needs may also reside in SNFs.
• Staffing ratios: Staffing ratios can vary, but these healthcare settings strive to ensure personalized care.
• Types of clinicians needed at skilled nursing facilities: Clinicians include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers.

What services are provided at skilled nursing facilities?

Skilled nursing facilities offer a range of care services, addressing both medical and personal needs. These services typically include the following:

• 24-hour nursing care and supervision
• Medication management
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, and speech)
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and eating
• Nutritional support and meal planning
• Social services and counseling
• Recreational activities to promote social engagement and mental wellbeing
• End-of-life care and hospice services

Pros and cons of working at skilled nursing facilities

Like any healthcare setting, working in skilled nursing facilities comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help healthcare professionals decide if SNFs are the right fit for them.

Pros

1. Job stability: With an aging population, the demand for skilled nursing care continues to grow, leading to a high need for healthcare professionals in these settings.
2. Diverse patient interactions: Clinicians have opportunities to work with patients from various backgrounds, improving their understanding of different healthcare needs.
3. Team environment: Skilled nursing facilities often have interdisciplinary teams, allowing for collaboration among various healthcare professionals.
4. Immediate impact: Clinicians can see the direct effects of their care on residents, often leading to satisfying outcomes for both staff and patients.

Cons

1. Emotional toll: Working with an aging population can sometimes be emotionally challenging, especially when dealing with loss or end-of-life care.
2. High staff turnover: Some skilled nursing facilities experience high turnover rates, making it essential to adapt to new team members frequently.
3. Physical demands: Healthcare professionals may face physical challenges, such as lifting and transferring patients, which can lead to fatigue or injury if proper protocols are not followed.
4. Administrative tasks: Clinicians may find themselves managing a significant amount of paperwork and documentation, which can detract from patient care time.

Requirements to work in skilled nursing facilities

To secure a position in skilled nursing facilities, healthcare professionals generally need specific qualifications:

• Registered nurses: An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is required, along with passing the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.
• Licensed practical nurses: A practical nursing diploma or certificate program, along with passing the NCLEX-PN exam, is necessary for licensure.
• Nursing assistants: Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program and certification is typically required.
• Therapists: Physical and occupational therapists generally need a relevant degree in their field, along with appropriate state licensure.

How much do nurses make in skilled nursing facilities?

Pay for healthcare professionals working in skilled nursing facilities can vary based on license type, location, and specific facility. Here are some general figures:

• Registered nurses: RNs can earn an average salary of around $65,000 to $85,000 annually.
• Licensed practical nurses: LPNs typically have an average salary ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
• Nursing assistants: The average annual earnings for nursing assistants range from $30,000 to $40,000.

Browse jobs in skilled nursing facilities

Healthcare professionals interested in exploring contract opportunities in skilled nursing facilities can take advantage of the flexibility offered by PRN jobs. Clinicians looking to pick up PRN jobs can easily connect with available openings to suit their schedules through Nursa. By signing up with Nursa, healthcare professionals can access a variety of PRN jobs in skilled nursing facilities.