At Eventide Senior Living, people come first. From residents to staff, the organization understands that delivering high-quality care starts with a confident, well-supported team. That’s why Eventide has taken a thoughtful and proactive approach to training and development. One that empowers nurses, strengthens operations, and opens doors to career advancement.
Through AAPACN’s Organizational Membership Plus, Eventide is equipping its teams with the tools and certifications they need not just to do the job, but to thrive in it.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
Like many long-term care organizations, Eventide operates a variety of building sizes. In smaller facilities, one missing team member can have a big impact, especially when that person is the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC). For years, these coordinators often felt they couldn’t take time off without disrupting operations. The pressure to always be available made work/life balance difficult to achieve.
Eventide also recognized that directors of nursing (DONs) were responsible for overseeing NACs but many lacked the firsthand knowledge needed to provide strong, informed supervision. There was a clear need to bridge that gap.
At the same time, Eventide saw a growing desire among team members to advance in their careers. Nurse managers, education nurses, quality nurses, and infection prevention nurses were eager to grow but needed access to specialized training and support to take the next step.
A Smarter Approach to Certification
To meet these needs, Eventide turned to AAPACN. The organization now requires all NACs to earn and maintain both the RAC-CT® and RAC-CTA® certifications. In addition, DONs must hold the RAC-CT® certification as part of their leadership development.
This strategy has allowed for smoother day-to-day operations. With cross-training in place, DONs can now step into the MDS role if needed, giving NACs the ability to take time off without worry. It’s improved not only operational stability, but also staff morale and retention.
Eventide has also expanded access to certifications like DNS-CT® and QCP®, encouraging nurse leaders across departments to pursue continuing education and strengthen their impact. By extending these opportunities beyond the MDS team, the organization is building a culture where learning is expected and leadership is supported at every level.
Real Results That Make a Difference
Eventide’s investment in education and certification is paying off in meaningful ways:
- Stronger Operational Coverage: With more team members trained and certified, the organization can maintain continuity of care even during staff absences.
- Improved Work/Life Balance: NACs no longer feel tied to their desks, knowing their leaders can confidently step in when needed.
- Enhanced Supervision: DONs are better equipped to oversee MDS work, leading to stronger communication and teamwork.
- Career Growth and Retention: Nurses at all levels are empowered to pursue professional growth, which boosts both engagement and long-term retention.
Watch the video interview with Justine Winterowd of Eventide to hear firsthand how AAPACN certification and education is transforming their workforce:
Creating a Culture of Growth
Eventide’s approach goes beyond certification, it’s about culture. It’s about building a workplace where nurses feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed. By investing in training, professional development, and leadership education, Eventide is creating a more resilient team and a stronger foundation for resident care.
Because when staff feel confident and capable, residents feel it too.