Dementia Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Dementia Unit

Reports To:

Director of Nursing (DON) / Unit Manager

Job Summary:

The LTC Nurse on the Dementia Unit provides high-quality, person-centered nursing care to residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care, while fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment that enhances residents’ quality of life. The nurse will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure each resident’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs are met in accordance with care plans, facility policies, and state/federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:Resident Care

• Provide direct nursing care to residents in accordance with individual care plans, physician orders, and established protocols.
• Monitor residents’ physical and cognitive status; promptly identify and report changes in condition.
• Administer medications and treatments accurately, following the “five rights” of medication administration.
• Utilize dementia-specific care techniques to manage behavioral expressions, reduce distress, and promote comfort.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, maintaining dignity and independence.

Care Planning & Documentation

• Participate in development, review, and updating of individualized care plans.
• Accurately chart assessments, interventions, and resident responses in the medical record.
• Communicate effectively with families, care team members, and outside providers.

Safety & Environment

• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment, ensuring proper use of safety devices and fall prevention strategies.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures to protect residents, staff, and visitors.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies in a timely, competent manner.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and support CNAs and other team members assigned to the dementia unit.
• Participate in shift hand-offs, interdisciplinary meetings, and staff education sessions.
• Promote a culture of compassion, patience, and respect among staff and residents.

Education & Advocacy

• Educate residents’ families on disease progression, care approaches, and available resources.
• Advocate for residents’ needs and preferences, ensuring person-centered care is prioritized.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Current RN or LPN license in the state of [State Name].
• CPR certification.
• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and dementia care best practices.

Preferred:

• At least 1 year of experience in geriatric nursing, memory care, or long-term care.
• Dementia Care Specialist or equivalent certification.
• Training in de-escalation, validation therapy, or other dementia-specific interventions.

Core Competencies:

• Compassion and empathy for residents with cognitive impairment.
• Strong observation and assessment skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors with patience and professionalism.
• Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to respond quickly to resident needs and emergencies.

Schedule & Work Environment:

• Full-time/Part-time positions available.
• Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work performed in a secure dementia care unit within a skilled nursing facility.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $35.18 - $50.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Brush, CO 80723 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Brush, CO 80723: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person