A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for the coordination and performance of nursing activities in an assigned section/unit during a designated shift. In the absence of other senior management, an LPN may be responsible for oversight of the facility during certain shifts.

Education & Experience:
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program, which usually takes about one year to complete. He or she must then apply to the Minnesota School of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective LPN must pass the NCLEX examination.

Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for LPN degress may be available through the MN nursing facility scholarship program or Care Providers of Minnesota Foundation Scholarship Program.

Average Starting Salary
$40,851

Statewide Salary Average
$46,821

Career Path Opportunities
Registered Nurse
MDS Coordinator

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

A Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care to patients to ensure their comfort and well‐being. RNs administer prescribed medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, and maintain residents’ medical records upon observation. They also oversee other workers such as LPNs and CNAs and may assist a physician/medical director during treatment and examination of a resident.

Education & Experience:
A Registered Nurse (RN) must complete a four-year bachelor’s of science (BSN), or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which typically takes two to three years to complete, or receive a diploma from a state-accredited nursing program. He or she must then apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon state and NCSBN approval, the prospective RN must pass the NCLEX-RN examination.

Scholarships for individuals pursuing educational training for RN/LPN Bachelor or Associate degrees may be available through the MN nursing facility scholarship program, or Care Providers of Minnesota Foundation Scholarship Program.

Average Starting Salary
$55,598

Statewide Salary Average
$62,691

Career Path Opportunities
MDS Coordinator
Unit Manager
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Advance Practice RN

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

The Unit Manager is responsible for supervising the nursing staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) on an assigned unit to ensure continuity and quality of resident care while promoting an environment of learning and independence.

Education & Experience:
A Unit Manager must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience with some management experience.

Average Starting Salary
$60,861

Statewide Salary Average
$70,699

Career Path Opportunities
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Advance Practice RN

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) to help insure continuity and quality of resident care. In the Director of Nursing’s absence, the ADON assumes responsibility for the nursing department.

Education & Experience:
An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years experience with some management experience.

Average Starting Salary
$65,083

Statewide Salary Average
$75,150

Career Path Opportunities
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator
Advance Practice RN

Certifications
Wound Care
Dementia Care
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis