Careers in Long-Term Care
Oregon long-term care settings offer a wide range of quality full-time and part-time employment and career growth opportunities. Explore your career possibilities and learn about the various roles that help ensure the quality of life and care of residents living in long-term care settings.
Roles and Responsibilities
Facility Staff
Includes foodservice, housekeeping, maintenance workers, and other staff who support the daily operations within a long-term care community.
Direct Care Staff
The primary responsibility of Direct Care Staff is to provide personal care services to residents. These personal care services may include medication administration, resident-focused activities, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), supervision and support of residents, serving meals without meal preparation.
Medication Technician (Unlicensed)
A direct care worker who has received additional training on medication administration. Administers or assists with self-administration of medication and treatments in accordance with a resident’s health care provider’s orders.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs provide assistance with personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Responsibilities may include activities such as changing linens or transporting a care recipient. CNAs are licensed and trained to work under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
CMAs administer medications ordered by the care plan for a resident and assist with personal care needs. Responsibilities include assuring medications are given to the correct person, in the appropriate manner, at the right time. CMAs are licensed and trained to work under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs are certified professionals who have completed at least one year of post-high school education. LPNs often provide basic bedside care under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. Duties may involve monitoring vital signs, changing dressings or collecting samples for medical tests. LPNs can also assist with personal needs, such as bathing, dressing and walking.
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs provide medical care, education and comfort to patients. They have completed a nursing program and meet state licensing requirements. RNs are qualified to address an array of medical situations and administer medications and IVs. They may direct other medical providers, technicians or volunteers.
Community Relations
The community relations role in long-term care is diverse and can address marketing, business development, sales, and communications within facilities as well as building relationships and connections with the surrounding community.
Therapist
Therapists provide treatment to improve health conditions or prevent health issues. Therapists may specialize in a number of areas, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy or infusion therapy. Hospice care therapists might focus on spiritual guidance or pain management. Therapists use different methods ranging from counseling to physical exercise. Education, training and licensing requirements vary.
Dietitian
Dietitians focus on healthy eating and proper nutrition. They prepare meal plans, offer nutritional guidance and oversee meal service or diet programs. Dietitians typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. Education, training and licensing requirements vary.
Life Enrichment and Activities Director
Long-term care communities are not limited to medical professionals. A number of roles focus on social well-being and quality of life. Life enrichment and activities directors oversee events and activities in various communities. On-site opportunities may include entertainment, education and social interaction with other care recipients. External events can range from shopping to religious services.
Social Services Director/Social Worker
A social worker in a long-term care community interviews center patients and their families and primarily is responsible for providing family crisis intervention and assisting families in understanding the implications and complexities of the medical or social situation and its impact on lifestyle. This kind of position requires a master’s degree in social work and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Administrator/Executive Director
A long-term care administrator or executive director is a health services manager who directs operations in facilities. They are responsible for overseeing staff, managing finances, ensuring security, and seeing that residents receive proper care and services.
Long-Term Care in Oregon
Long-Term Care Employers
Learn about the types of long-term care organizations offering quality employment opportunities throughout Oregon.
