Long Term Care Nursing Assistant

Career Guide

A Long Term Care Nursing Assistant supports older adults and people with chronic health needs in nursing homes or assisted living settings. The role focuses on daily personal care, comfort, safety, and observing changes in a resident’s condition so the care team can respond quickly.

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Key Responsibilities

Assist residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
Support safe movement, transfers, and walking
Help residents with meals and hydration
Take and record vital signs as assigned
Observe and report changes in mood, pain, appetite, mobility, or skin condition
Maintain a clean and safe resident environment
Support infection prevention practices
Document care tasks clearly and on time
Provide companionship and emotional support
Work with nurses and therapists to follow the care plan
Use safe lifting techniques and equipment
Respond to call lights and urgent needs promptly

Top Skills for Success

Empathy

Communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Safe Patient Handling

Personal Care Assistance

Vital Signs Measurement

Infection Prevention

Basic Documentation

Dementia Care

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Nursing Assistant

Medication Aide Lead Nursing Assistant Patient Care Technician

Transition Opportunities

Licensed Practical Nurse Registered Nurse Home Health Aide Hospice Aide Care Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Dementia CommunicationDe-escalationAccurate DocumentationWound and Skin ObservationSafe Transfer TechniquesBoundary Setting

Development SuggestionsFocus on one skill at a time through short trainings, shadowing experienced aides, and feedback from nurses. Track progress with a simple checklist and ask for coaching on real resident scenarios.

Market Intelligence Report

Long Term Care Nursing Assistant is part of the Medical Support category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$28,000 to $35,000 per year

Mid Level$35,000 to $44,000 per year

Senior Level$44,000 to $55,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady to strong demand in many regions, driven by an aging population, increased long term care needs, and ongoing staffing shortages.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Genesis HealthCareThe Ensign GroupLife Care Centers of AmericaHCR ManorCareAmedisysBrookdale Senior LivingSunrise Senior LivingKindred at Home

Industry Sectors

Skilled Nursing FacilitiesAssisted Living CommunitiesMemory Care CommunitiesHome Health AgenciesHospice ProvidersRehabilitation CentersContinuing Care Retirement Communities

Recommended Next Steps

Confirm required certification in your state and keep it active

Complete training in safe lifting and transfer equipment

Take a short course in dementia care and communication

Practice clear shift notes using facility standards

Ask to shadow a senior aide to learn routines and prioritization

Build a resume that highlights reliability, resident care tasks, and teamwork

Consider a pathway program toward Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse if you want more responsibility and pay