Turnover Solutions Series – Part 1: Interpreting the Staff Turnover Rate

During a QAA/QAPI meeting, the director of human resources announces the monthly staff turnover rate and shares information about a job fair she will attend. After this report, another department director takes a turn sharing data, and the meeting carries on in this manner until all departments have spoken. There …

Retaining Talent: Check-In with New Employee Template

When new employees see their leader is invested in their success, including proficiency in their job performance as well as becoming a part of team, the odds of retaining the employee increase dramatically. AAPACN’s Retaining Talent: Check-In with New Employee Template will guide leaders to check in with employees over …

Five Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining MDS Coordinators

Written by Michael Daniels, RN, DNS-CT, QCP, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA All one needs to do is peruse the long-term care (LTC)/skilled nursing facility (SNF) job openings online for a few minutes to realize that something is amiss. Frenzied healthcare staffing recruiters seem to crawl from the woodwork as they compete to …

NAC Job Description

The nurse assessment coordinator’s role in ensuring compliance with complex federal requirements is paramount to the success of the financial operations of a facility and the care of residents. Use this NAC Job Description, to create and tailor your own job description for this specialized position. For permission to use …

SNF Staffing Crisis: The Risks and Impact of Pulling the NAC to the Floor

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, vice president of education and certification strategy for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss the current staffing crisis in skilled nursing facilities across the country and the potential impact of …

Who Is the Infection Preventionist? If It’s the DNS, Reconsider

Nursing homes must designate “one or more individuals as the infection preventionist (IP) who is responsible for assessing, developing, implementing, monitoring, and managing the infection prevention and control program (IPCP),” which includes the requirements at F-tags F880 (Infection Prevention and Control) and F881 (Antibiotic Stewardship Program), according to the new …

AAPACN Responds to CMS’s Comment Request for FY 2023 SNF PPS Proposed Rule

Jessie McGill, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA and Alexis Roam, MSN, RN-BC, DNS-CT, QCP The annual rulemaking process enables stakeholders to comment on proposals that will affect skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) throughout the next year. In early April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its fiscal year (FY) 2023 …

How the NAC and DNS Can Work Together to Ease the Strain of the Staffing Shortage in Long-Term Care

The widespread staffing crisis in nursing homes across long-term care has put a strain on everyone, from leadership positions to the floor nurse. Staff are working overtime, covering extra shifts, and are often being called to work outside of their assigned roles. They are experiencing stress, burnout, and even considering …

Lead CNA Programs: Learn How to Hire and Support the Best In-House Candidates

Lead certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs can create positive change in nursing homes. While program goals often vary from facility to facility, lead CNA programs may improve resident quality of life and quality of care, increase CNA communication and teamwork, give CNAs a path for professional growth and reduce CNA …

Q&A: Is there specific guidance regarding staff working in multiple facilities?

Question: Is there specific guidance regarding staff working in multiple facilities? Answer from Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-CT, QCP: Currently, there are no federal guidelines specific to staff who work in multiple facilities. However, facility leaders should check with their state and local entities as well to see if …