Long-term care directors of nursing have lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment than their counterparts in acute care, even though research shows that acute-care patients have better outcomes when nurses have the degrees.
The problem is the majority of DONs in long-term care have little interest in obtaining their bachelor’s degree and most don’t believe that their level of education impacts resident outcomes, according to researchers at the VA’s Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports.
Published in February’s Journal of Nursing Administration, the study examined the survey responses from 74 DONs in nursing homes across Connecticut. About 57% held associate degrees. Of those, 70% were not considering any further degree advancements. Lack of salary differentiation, perceived high costs of education and being near retirement were most often cited as reasons.
The authors urged leaders to advocate for academic advancement for skilled nursing facility DONs.
This includes tuition reimbursement, time off for education, career ladders and differentials for educational attainment.
From the March 1, 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
