Perhaps more than any other industry, healthcare is all about people. This includes both people providing care and people receiving care, either in the comfort of home or in professional settings such as doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living communities.
The Maryland long-term and post-acute care workforce providing care in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and on assisted living campuses includes approximately 30,000 professionals. From dietary staff and housekeepers to nurses and physicians, each plays a critical role in caring for Marylanders most in need. The quality care provided in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers is fueled by the round-the-clock efforts of well-trained, compassionate, and dedicated professionals.
We encourage you to explore all the opportunities to join the long-term care continuum. These range from direct care to support positions.
Careers in LTC
Administrator/Executive DirectorA long-term care administrator or executive director is a health services manager who directs operations in facilities. This person is responsible for overseeing staff, managing finances, ensuring security, and seeing that residents receive proper care and services.
Certified Nursing Assistants (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).
Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) are CNAs who have passed the Maryland geriatric nursing assistant exam to specialize in working witholder adults. The Maryland Board of Nursing requires that all nursing assistants working in nursing homes must be licensed GNAs. Click here to learn more about nursing assistant certifications. https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/cna-info.aspx
Licensed practical nurses (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 nurses (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.
The marketing and community relations role in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities is responsible for marketing, business development, sales, and communications within facilities as well as building relationships and connections with the surrounding community.
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. Education, training and licensing requirements vary.
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.
Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities work to support the whole person in serving their residents. The life enrichment and activities team focus on social well-being and quality of life by planning and overseeing the many events and activities. On-site opportunities may include entertainment, education and holiday celebrations with other residents. External events can include shopping, movies, dining and more!
A social worker in a long-term care community interviews center patients and their families and 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.
The reception team greets families and visitors when they visit or call the building. They are the first touch point for many, and important to making a great first impression and helping people feel supported in their care journey.
Like any other organization, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping activities that are necessary to keep the business in order.
The MDS coordinator monitors patient care by assessing procedures, speaking with patients, and recording medical codes and may also help manage the nursing team. This role is typically held by a nurse.
The billing coordinator is responsible for providing timely and accurate resident information to the appropriate payor sources. This may include Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care or private insurance.
The housekeeping team is responsible for keeping a skilled nursing and assisted living community clean and inviting. This team includes laundry and janitorial staff.
Dining is one of the most important parts of the day for many of us. The kitchen and dining team is responsible for preparing and serving healthy, delicious, and nutritious meals to residents. They are led by the dietician who understands the nutrition needs of each resident based on their medical diagnosis and personal preferences.
The maintenance team is responsible for the internal and external management of the building and its grounds. This includes regular upkeep of the building and the outside areas that residents and families enjoy.