Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Memory Care

 

 

Memory Care Nurse

Position Summary

The Memory Care Nurse is responsible for providing compassionate, safe, and high-quality nursing care to residents living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This position oversees residents’ daily clinical needs, medication management, changes in condition, care planning, documentation, and communication with residents, families, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

The Memory Care Nurse serves as a clinical leader within the memory care community and works closely with caregivers and other members of the healthcare team to ensure each resident receives individualized care that promotes dignity, safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Care

Provide direct nursing care to residents according to their individual care plans and physician orders.
Monitor residents for changes in physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional condition.
Complete nursing assessments and promptly report significant changes in condition to the appropriate healthcare provider and responsible party.
Promote resident dignity, independence, comfort, and quality of life.

Memory Care Responsibilities

Provide person-centered care to residents with dementia and cognitive impairment.
Understand and respond appropriately to behaviors associated with dementia.
Identify potential triggers for agitation, anxiety, wandering, aggression, or other behavioral changes.
Work with caregivers and families to develop appropriate approaches to behavioral and emotional needs.
Maintain a safe environment and help reduce the risk of falls, elopement, injury, and other safety concerns.
Encourage meaningful activities, social engagement, and routines appropriate to each resident’s abilities and preferences. Must participate in through the eyes training program, and communicate with staff to ensure implementation of the program.

Medication Management

Administer medications safely and accurately in accordance with physician orders and applicable regulations.
Monitor residents for medication effectiveness, adverse reactions, and changes in condition.
Ensure medication documentation is complete and accurate.
Communicate medication concerns or significant changes to physicians, pharmacies, families, and appropriate leadership.
Monitor medication supplies and assist with medication reconciliation as needed.

Care Coordination

Communicate with physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, hospice providers, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals.
Follow up on physician orders, laboratory results, appointments, and treatment recommendations.
Coordinate hospital admissions, returns, and transitions of care.
Participate in care plan meetings and interdisciplinary team discussions.
Communicate appropriately with residents’ responsible parties regarding changes in condition, treatment, appointments, and ongoing care needs.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate, timely, and complete nursing documentation.
Complete assessments, progress notes, incident reports, medication records, and other required documentation.
Follow facility policies, state regulations, nursing standards, and applicable federal requirements.
Maintain resident confidentiality and protect residents’ privacy.
Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
Assist with maintaining accurate resident records and care plans.

Staff Leadership & Education

Provide direction and support to caregivers and medication aides within the nurse’s scope of practice.
Monitor staff performance related to resident care and report concerns to management.
Provide education and training regarding dementia care, fall prevention, infection control, medication safety, emergency procedures, and resident-specific needs.
Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication among staff.
Serve as a clinical resource for the memory care team.

Qualifications

Current LPN/LVN license as required by the state.
Previous experience working with older adults, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, or dementia residents preferred.
Knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care preferred.
Strong assessment, communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a healthcare team.
Ability to remain calm and professional during emergencies and challenging behavioral situations.
Basic computer and electronic medical record skills.
Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain as required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout the community for extended periods.
Ability to assist with resident care and transfers within the scope of the position and facility policy.
Ability to respond quickly to resident emergencies.
Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, and staff.

Core Competencies

Compassion and empathy
Dementia care expertise
Clinical judgment
Leadership and teamwork
Communication
Organization and time management
Accountability
Problem-solving
Resident advocacy
Commitment to resident safety and dignity

Overall Expectation

The Memory Care Nurse is expected to provide excellent clinical care while creating a calm, respectful, and supportive environment for residents and their families. The nurse should demonstrate patience, professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to person-centered dementia care.