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. A LPN is always under the supervision of an RN which in most cases is the Director of Nursing.

Education & Experience:
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) candidate must complete a state-accredited nursing school program, which usually takes about two years to complete. He or she must then apply to the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) 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.

Salary Average
$48,318

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
Registered Nurse
MDS Coordinator

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) candidate 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. He or she must then apply to the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) 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.

Salary Average
$61,402

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
Quality Assurance Nurse
Director of Education & Training
RN Charge Nurse
MDS Coordinator
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing

The Director of Education and Training oversees the areas of staff development and health & safety issues. The director will monitor, analyze, intervene and report on infection control and other safety issues for residents and staff. They will coordinate required employee health related information to OSHA, and state regulations. The director will coordinate and conduct continuing education programs for staff.

Education & Experience:

The Director of Education and Training must meet the registered nurse licensure requirements and have at least five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience included.

Salary Average
$61,880

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
RN Charge Nurse
MDS Coordinator
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing

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

Education & Experience:
A RN Charge Nurse must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically have between three and five years of experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$62,650

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
MDS Coordinator
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing

The primary job function of the MDS Director includes coordinating the completion of the Resident Assessment Instrument, (RAI) which includes the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Care Area Assessments (CAAs) for all assigned residents. The MDS Director establishes the initial nursing care plan and updates the care plan with scheduled MDS assessments for residents. She/he conducts and coordinates the RAI and signs and certifies the completion of the assessment.

Education & Experience:

Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Dakota. Must possess a current unencumbered license issues by the North Dakota State Board of Nursing. An encumbered license must practice within the limitations established by the North Dakota State Board of Nursing. The MDS Coordinator must completed the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) training.

Salary Average
$64,314

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
Assistant Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, and 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 in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$71,802

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for supervising all nursing staff, ensuring there is adequate nursing staff, and ensuring that the staff’s skills remain current in order to meet the needs of the residents and state and federal regulations. The DON oversees development and implementation of nursing policy and procedure and communication of the needs of the residents to the physicians..

Education & Experience:
A director of nursing must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess a minimum of five years’ experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$83,970

Certifications
The Board determined in NDAC Section 54-02-05-08 that continuing education for purposes of relicensure must meet or exceed twelve (12) contact hours within the preceding two (2) years.

Next Steps
Administrator