Baccalaureate and higher degrees are under-represented among LTC nurses. More than half of the directors of nursing, who represent the highest position in the nursing department, hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing; less than one-third hold a BSN.

It wasn't the worst start I've ever had, but it wasn't good. My wife woke up sick and my dog woke up whining, or maybe it was the other way around. It's all such a blur.

By Allen Yearick, MHA, NHA, AFY Management LTC LLC

Robert C. Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Optimus EMR Inc.

Every year, the Washington Post has a Mensa Invitational where they invite readers to 1) take any word from the dictionary, 2) alter it by adding, subtracting or changing one or two letters and 3) supply a new definition. So, of course I thought, why not do this for words we normally use in long-term care? I'll bet you can think of a few of your own.

William Schaffner, M.D., President, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Mark Gloth, D.O., Chief Medical Officer, HCR ManorCare

As the social services and activity director in a 92-bed skilled nursing facility, I am fortunate to share in a precious season of residents' lives. For most of them, this is the final "home" that they will have this side of heaven. It is our motto that they don't come here to die but to live.

Darlene Nice, MSW, LCSW, Director of Social Services, The Lutheran Care at Moorestown, ( NJ)

Like the fictional Showtime "Nurse Jackie," I do have a bad back, ironically have two brunette daughters, and will get in anyone's face — doctor, family member, surveyor, government official (though politely and without the four-letter words) — who interferes with the health and wellness of our frail elders.