Name: Long-Term Care Nurse Description: Long-term care is the provision of nursing, medical, psychosocial, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders Diagnoses: AIDS, terminal illnesses, psychosocial and behavioral problems, head injuries Practice roles: Staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse manager, coordinator, supervisor, director, executive, educator Characteristics: Less pressured and chaotic than acute care; death viewed as natural life process; long-term relationships with patients and families; satisfaction of providing comfort for frail older person Client age group: Those of all ages with chronic illness; particularly the elderly Drawbacks: Increasing patient acuity and use of technology, staffing problems Desirable skills: Medical-surgical skills such as IVs, ventilators, tube feedings; mentoring, teaching, team building Education: RN with AD, diploma, or BSN Employers: Hospitals (including subacute care), nursing homes, extended care facilities, retirement communities, home-health agencies Associations: American Society for Long-Term Care Nurses (offers certification) 660 Lonely Cottage Dr. Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972-9313 610-847-5396   American Health Care Association 1201 L St. NW Washington, DC 20005 202-842-4444   American Association for Continuity of Care P.O. Box 532 Dunedin, FL 34697 800-816-1575 Publications: ASLTC Journal 610-847-5396   AHCA Notes Newsletter (Provider Magazine) 202-842-4444   IMPAACT bulletin 860-586-7525