The Wertlieb Educational Institute for LTC Management has collaborated with the National Board of Examiners for LTC Administrators (NAB) to analyze statistics showing a drastic decline in candidates for Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensure. Because the nation's elderly population is expected to more than double in 30 years, this decline will impact service delivery to elderly and disabled.
While LTC organizations are focusing on recruitment and retention of Certified Nursing Assistants, it is imperative to also address the shortage of qualified LTC leadership candidates.
We surveyed state licensure boards to investigate this decline. A survey was disseminated to states to obtain data regarding NHA licensure trends. This instrument queried: Numbers of NHAs licensed from 1997 - 2000, and the number who let their licensure lapse; Reasons NHAs cited for letting licensure lapse, current employer, job title; Where NHAs worked (for-profit vs. non-profit; free-standing vs. multi-facility); Education; Why NHAs initially chose LTC (mission, personal experience); Work experience prior to seeking licensure; Skill sets identified as related to professional "success"
Based on our findings, overarching reasons for decline in NHA licensure candidates include: Punitive regulations; Negative publicity regarding LTC and lack of value for committed administrators; Increasing complexity of LTC; Perception of lack of control over one's destiny
Our conclusions are that NHAs must have higher competency in strategic management, finance, and regulatory issues; must re-establish their core mission; establish culture of continuous quality improvement; involve stakeholders in redesign of programs/systems; develop alliances; foster open communication with staff, families, and regulators.
See www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/wertliebLearning Objectives: 1. Discuss the importance of addressing the shortage of qualified leadership candidates in long term care when our nation's elderly population is significantly increasing 2. Describe a survey conducted by the Wertlieb Institute and NAB to investigate the significant decline in candidated for NAB's Nursing Home Administrator licensure examination 3. Identify survey findings,overarching conclusions, and potential solutions
Keywords: Leadership, Nursing Homes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Wertlieb Educational Institute for Long Term Care Management
The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.