Memory Care LPN Jobs Overview
Nearly 7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, while the cost of caring for people with dementia is estimated at $360 billion annually (and expected to hit $1 trillion by 2025). As the population of Americans over 65 continues to grow, so will the need for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other healthcare staff to care for this particularly vulnerable patient population. This means that memory care LPN jobs are likely to provide plenty of career opportunities for years to come.
LPNs who have the right mix of skills and temperament are encouraged to explore this important and in-demand specialty. Keep in mind that LPNs are referred to as LVNs (licensed vocational nurses) in California and Texas. IntelyCare’s job board gives you access to part-time, full-time, contract, temporary, and per diem LVN/LPN jobs in memory care and other specialized roles throughout the U.S. Check out related roles such as home health LPN jobs and LPN hospice jobs for more opportunities.
Memory Care Jobs: Skills, Education, and Certifications
To become an LPN (or LVN), you will need to start by completing an accredited LPN/LVN program, which takes about a year and requires a high school diploma or GED. Once you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN(National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). Finally, you’ll need to submit all documentation required by your state board of nursing, which will make you eligible for employment as an LPN.
If you’re interested in memory care LPN jobs, you’ll want to check the requirements specific to the state’s licensing board. In California, for instance, LVNs (as well as CNAs and RNs) must complete 12 hours of dementia care training as a condition of employment in residential care facilities (where most memory care nursing professionals are hired).
You might also want to take a training program from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), or become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), which has certain prerequisites that include at least one year of paid work experience in a geriatric setting.
Memory care jobs require a genuine interest in the welfare of the elderly and a commitment to veracity in difficult conversations with patients and their loved ones while still maintaining a professional relationship. Other important soft skills that can help you succeed in this position include:
- Emotional intelligence
- Clear and effective communication
- Empathy and patience
Cover Letter and Resume for Memory Care Jobs
Your first step in any job application process is to submit a resume and cover letter. This is your chance to rise above other applicants by showing off your credentials and, ideally, sharing a little information about what motivates you or makes you uniquely suited for the job. Hiring managers typically skim applications, so make sure your LPN resume prominently displays your qualifications and any certifications that help you stand apart from the crowd.
All nursing jobs require some measure of compassion and patience, but memory care is a uniquely demanding role and isn’t for everyone. Your cover letter is the perfect place to expand on your motivations and interest in caring for dementia patients, some of whom are nearing the end of their lives. Facilities will want nursing professionals in this role who can be a calm, nurturing presence in patients’ lives, while also being tactful and reassuring with their loved ones.
Interviewing for Memory Care LPN Jobs
If you’ve put in the time and effort to craft a resume and cover letter that get you in the door for an interview, then you’ll want to prepare in advance to make the most out of it. No need to memorize your answers, but make sure you’ve thought about how you might answer some of the likely questions. The interviewer knows your qualifications, so they’ll be digging a little deeper to get a better sense of how you think, what your values are, and whether you have the right temperament for this challenging role.
- The hiring manager may ask you questions such as:
- What is your personal interest in working as a memory care LPN?
- How would you respond if a patient yelled at you or accused you of something you didn’t do?
- Please describe your bedside manner.
- What is your favorite part about working with dementia patients? What is your least-favorite?
- What is the greatest challenge facing the dementia care industry, in your opinion?
Memory Care LPN: Salary and Compensation
The average U.S. salary for LPNs/LVNs is $60,790, but you’ll find plenty of variance depending on the state and type of facility, not to mention your experience and education level. Also, keep in mind that some facilities (such as those in more remote regions of the country) may pay more because of recruiting challenges in those locales, while facilities in metropolitan areas such as New York or the San Francisco Bay Area often pay higher salaries to keep up with the high cost of living. Higher-paying LPN jobs can be found in the following locations:
- California LVN openings
- Rhode Island LPN openings
- Washington LPN openings
- Alaska LPN openings
- Massachusetts LPN openings
Find the Best Memory Care LPN Jobs Right Here
There are plenty ways to search for your next LPN job; but if you’re used to combing through all-purpose job boards, IntelyCare can speed up your search with the nation’s #1 job board focused specifically on nursing professionals. Let us connect you with the top LPN jobs in memory care and other specialties.