What does it take to be a successful DNS? AAPACN’s Body of Knowledge for the Role of Director of Nursing Services in Long-Term Care identifies, defines, and measures the core competencies required of DNSs practicing in SNFs. Review the tool and assess how you measure up today!
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss key findings from the 2025 AAPACN NAC Work Study and Salary Report. Additional Resources: Nurse Assessment Coordinator …
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The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) surveys nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) every other year on aspects of their work, salary, and time. The 2025 AAPACN NAC Work Study and Salary Report offers valuable insights into the challenges NACs face that can help with staff retention. The study also …
CMS has updated its Payroll-Based Journal Frequently Asked Questions. PBJ Policy Manual FAQ 06.30.2025 (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/staffing-data-submission
This manual provides general background and information about the submission requirements, such as sample submission screens, submission deadlines, and definitions of job categories. Note: Changes from the previous version of this policy manual are identified in red/italics. PBJ Policy Manual Final – V2.7 – 06.30.2025 (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ
Improving Care Through Increased Staffing Nursing home staffing has a significant impact on the quality of care that residents receive. Feedback from both nursing home staff and residents consistently highlights staffing as their primary concern. In response, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a national Nursing …
In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss some common pitfalls of the onboarding and orientation process in long-term and post-acute care settings and how to set new …
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Over the last decade, a strong orientation and onboarding process has been linked to higher levels of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and job satisfaction among nursing staff—leading to lower staff turnover and improved retention. Conversely, an inadequate onboarding process can quickly turn new hires into former employees, forcing providers to …
Working as a nurse in a nursing home can be overwhelming, especially if the director of nursing services (DNS) and executive leadership expect nurses to learn on the job and fail to set up a comprehensive program that includes adequate orientation (short-term training and support) and onboarding (longer-term training and …
Navigating the multifaceted role of the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) can be daunting, especially for those new to the position. Whether titled NAC, MDS coordinator, Medicare case manager, or another variant, the responsibilities are both far reaching and crucial to ensuring quality care in long-term care facilities. As facilities increasingly …
