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As you volunteer or work in the nursing home, I believe it’s helpful to understand the roles and backgrounds of other people who serve your residents. Perhaps this knowledge will even prompt you to expand your education and take on a new career.
In the past, we’ve looked at the roles of the nursing team, rehab team, social worker, dietician, and pharmacist. Today, we’ll focus on the nursing home administrator.
Our aging population will cause a significant demand for nursing home administrators in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Statistics expects growth in this field to be much greater than average over the next several years.
What is the role of a nursing home administrator?
The nursing home administrator coordinates the day-to-day operations of the organization. Responsibilities include:
- Ensure the nursing home complies with local, state, and federal regulations
- Oversee the nursing home budget
- Take part in the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff
- Serve on a variety of committees
- Act as a liaison between residents, family members, and care providers
- Represent the nursing home at community functions
- Prepare and present reports to nursing home governing bodies
What characteristics should a nursing home administrator possess?
- Excellent communication skills
- Leadership abilities
- Business expertise
- Good stress management skills (especially during the pandemic!)
What type of education does a nursing home administrator need?
A nursing home administrator generally holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, their major area of study can vary. Common areas of focus include:
- nursing
- healthcare administration
- business management
- gerontology
- community health
Requirements for a nursing home administrator vary according to state. All states require applicants to pass a national exam, and some states also require their own exam. In addition, many states require the completion of an administrator-in-training program.
Do I have any nursing home administrators among my readers? What would you add?
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