Is a RN Required for Your Assisted Living Business? Find Out Here!
Sep 01, 2024
This blog will answer a common question: "Do you need an RN for your assisted living business?" This is a frequently asked subject, particularly among individuals with nursing backgrounds who want to work in assisted living. Having an RN on your team might be a game changer, but is it necessary? Let's go over this in depth.
The role of a Registered Nurse (RN) in an assisted living facility can vary considerably according to the level of care provided and the regulations in your state. Operating an assisted living business entails many responsibilities, from ensuring residents' safety to adhering to state laws.
In this blog post, we'll go over the situations in which an RN is essential and when you can get by without one. We'll also talk about the advantages of having an RN on staff and how their knowledge can improve the quality of care in your facility. Whether you're just getting started or trying to improve your current operations, understanding the function of an RN will help you make informed decisions that affect the success of your assisted living business.
Check out the video too:
Why Nurses Are Interested in Assisted Living
Many nurses express interest in starting their own assisted living facilities. They often believe they can offer better care based on their experiences in the field. Nurses are well-positioned to run these facilities due to their understanding of the industry and patient needs. However, knowing that you don’t need to be a nurse to start an assisted living business is crucial.
Do You Need an RN Full-Time?
Residential assisted living and care homes do not require a full-time registered nurse, but you will require access to one. This nurse will be in charge of critical activities such as resident assessments, health standards compliance, and delegating medicine administration to caregivers. They do not need to be present full-time, but they should be ready to execute these duties on a regular basis.
Delegation and Medication Administration
Your caregivers will need to be medication certified, which is overseen by a registered nurse. This includes preparing caregivers to provide medications safely and efficiently under the nurse's supervision. The RN's licensure covers this obligation, thus they must trust and supervise the caregivers correctly.
Partnering with RNs
In my facilities, we have partnered with nurses who work 5 to 10 hours per week. They do resident assessments, review staff work, and assist with new admissions. Even larger facilities with over 30 beds frequently hire part-time nurses. This strategy not only meets regulatory standards but also keeps expenditures under control.
How to Find an RN for Your Facility
Finding the right RN can be challenging, especially if you’re managing your facility remotely. Here are some effective strategies:
- Administrators: Your facility’s administrator is a great resource. They often have local industry connections and can recommend suitable candidates.
- Other Facility Owners: Networking with other facility owners or operators can lead to referrals. This was how we found our current RN in Idaho.
- Doctors: Primary care physicians of your residents can also be a valuable source of referrals. They work closely with the population you serve and can recommend trusted nurses.
- Online Searches: Platforms like Facebook and Google can help you find nurses. Always vet candidates thoroughly to ensure they fit your facility well.
To summarize, you do need access to an RN for your assisted living business, but not necessarily a full-time one. Partnering with an RN for part-time work can be efficient and cost-effective. Remember, the right RN can significantly impact your quality of care.
If you found this information useful, visit Assisted Living Investing for more resources, including our free underwriting calculator. Consider joining our Assisted Living Investing Mastermind program for more in-depth guidance and support. This program covers five core concepts: building a business plan, finding the property, getting the funding, obtaining the license, and running and scaling the business.
Are you ready to take the next step in starting your assisted living business? Download our Business Plan Checklist here to ensure all the essentials are covered. This checklist is a vital tool for planning and will guide you through creating a successful business plan.
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