Are you interested in a fulfilling LPN career in senior living? The Kensington Reston, a top assisted living and memory care community in Reston, Virginia, offers a rewarding opportunity for applicants.
We’re currently hiring LPNs and offering a competitive salary with a $1,000 sign-on bonus.
Our full-time roles cover various shifts, including day, evening, and overnight. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and more.
At The Kensington Reston, you’ll join a team dedicated to providing exceptional care to seniors and upholding Our Promise to love and care for our residents as we would our own family.
What is the role of an LPN in a senior living setting?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are deeply impactful for our residents. Their role is constantly evolving to keep up with the needs of assisted living and memory care communities.
An LPN’s day often revolves around ensuring the health and well-being of residents.
In an assisted living community, this involves routine health checks, administering medications, and working with physicians and families for optimal care.
In memory care communities, LPNs have to address the unique and complex needs of residents with memory impairments, often involving personalized care plans.
A typical day for an LPN
- Starting with medication administration, ensuring each resident receives the correct dosage at the right time.
- Conducting health assessments, monitoring vital signs, and observing any changes in physical or mental health.
- Coordinating with doctors and healthcare providers, updating care plans based on residents’ evolving needs.
- In memory care, LPNs engage in activities that support cognitive health, providing support tailored to each individual’s stage of memory loss.
Steps to becoming an LPN in Virginia
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia, candidates must follow a structured path that includes specific educational and licensing requirements.
The following is a breakdown for easy reference.
Educational requirements:
- Candidates must complete a state-approved LPN program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and last around 12 to 18 months.
- Coursework includes nursing theory, biology, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical practice.
- A crucial part of the program involves real-world training under supervision in healthcare settings.
Licensing requirements:
- After completing the educational program, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
- Exam content covers patient care, safety, health promotion, and maintaining effective environments.
- Apply through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Apply for licensure with the Virginia Board of Nursing:
- Submit a criminal background check.
- Pay the requisite fees associated with the licensure process.
- For LPNs licensed in other states, seeking licensure in Virginia under the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Additional qualifications for senior living communities:
- Gerontology certification for better understanding of aging-related health issues.
- Dementia care certification is especially relevant for LPNs in memory care settings.
Requirements for LPNs at The Kensington Reston
In addition to the previous requirements, LPNs employed by The Kensington Reston are expected to commit to continuous learning, clinical skills, and compassionate care.
Experience in geriatric care is beneficial, but not mandatory.
The benefits of working as an LPN in senior living
Working as an LPN in senior living is an incredibly rewarding—and at times challenging—career that’s filled with opportunities to make a significant impact on the lives of others within your local community.
These dedicated professionals provide an important role in the healthcare industry, providing essential care to seniors.
LPNs enjoy the flexibility to work in various settings, whether it’s an assisted living or memory care community, hospital, or skilled nursing center.
This work not only offers high job security due to the overwhelming demand for nursing care but also brings a sense of prestige and respect.
LPNs often develop meaningful relationships with residents, enriching their professional experience and also growing emotionally and mentally, as the role demands empathy, patience, and adaptability.
Career advancement and development opportunities
The demand for LPNs is consistently strong across healthcare jobs, especially in senior living communities. So along with job security and flexibility, an LPN role offers the following benefits.
Benefits and career progression paths for LPNs:
- Great job security, with high demand for LPNs in senior care across the U.S.
- LPNs can transfer their licenses to different states, though some may require additional state-specific exams or requirements
- Experienced LPNs often move into supervisory roles
- Many LPNs choose to continue their education to become Registered Nurses (RNs), which requires longer education programs but offers more independence and a broader scope of practice. This requires completing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam
Why choose The Kensington Reston for your LPN career
Choosing The Kensington Reston for your LPN career means becoming part of an esteemed and upscale community that sets itself apart through its exceptional culture, commitment to quality, and impactful presence in senior care.
Our premier senior living community is renowned for its high standards, offering a work environment that is not only professionally rewarding but also supportive and enriching.
Reasons to choose The Kensington Reston:
- Known for its upscale and high-quality care standards
- Focuses on teamwork and respect among staff
- Offering $1,000 sign-on bonus
- Includes health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, and overtime opportunities
- Opportunities for career advancement and paid training
- Complimentary meals, uniforms, and an Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Bonus for bringing in new talent
- Full-time roles across day, evening, and overnight shifts
Apply for nursing jobs at The Kensington Reston: Now hiring!
Are you ready to advance your nursing career? The Kensington Reston is actively seeking dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our assisted living and memory care community.
To apply, visit our careers page and discover the opportunities waiting for you at The Kensington Reston, a premier assisted living and memory care community.
For more information, contact The Kensington Reston today, and don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a team that values excellence in senior care and a deep commitment to our residents’ well-being.