Can you describe a typical day in your role as a skilled nursing home administrator?
As the Administrator, at Parkview Manor, I am responsible for maintaining the daily operations of the skilled nursing facility, our Assisted Living units, and 8 Independent Living duplexes. I strive to maintain the delicate balance between caregiving and organizational departments with empathetic leadership. I manage our staff, interact with our residents and their families, and maintain compliance with the federal and state regulations.
What measures do you take to ensure high-quality care for residents?
Ensuring high-quality care involves several key measures:
- We prioritize ongoing training for not just our nursing staff, but for our staff across all departments. A well-trained staff contributes significantly to an improved quality of care.
- Promptness and efficiency is key. Our team prioritizes timely access to care for residents, whatever their unique care needs may be. This ensures their quality of life is preserved.
- Patient and family engagement is very important. We emphasize patient and family involvement in care decisions and planning.
- The Parkview Management Team practices effective communication techniques to improve collaboration among staff, residents, and families and enhance care coordination.
- We set clear, tangible goals for quality improvement and track progress.
What are the biggest challenges you face in the day-to-day operations of the facility?
Our talented staff members are what drive our care and support services. Identifying candidates who are not only qualified, but the right fit for our team is very important. Our rural location can be a challenge when seeking applicants.
What are the key qualities you look for when hiring staff?
Compassion, empathy, clinical competence, ethical behavior and communication are some of the standards I assess during the hiring process. Equally important are adaptability and teamwork.
What steps do you take to maintain staff morale and reduce turnover?
We have a culture of recognition and appreciation for our staff. Work/Life balance is very important to make sure we are performing at our best. As a facility we offer professional growth opportunities, competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Above all, we strive to create an environment where our employees are not only satisfied but happy.
How do you handle resident complaints or concerns about their care?
Handling resident feedback effectively is crucial for maintaining positive relationships and ensuring resident satisfaction. First, I listen attentively so that I have a thorough understanding of the situation. Based on these details, I provide a timeline for resolution or updates. I follow up with the resident to ensure satisfaction. Keeping the resident informed shows respect and transparency. Post resolution, we evaluate our processes to determine if property management practices need enhancement.
How do you foster a positive relationship with the surrounding community?
We collaborate with local organizations to host activities and events! We use our local media outlets and digital channels to inform the community about facility updates, resident achievements, and upcoming events. We also attend community meetings to remain educated about changes in our local government and ensure we are on one accord with our neighbors.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing home administration?
My inspiration stems from a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults. Witnessing the resilience, wisdom, and unique stories of residents during my skilled nursing career motivated me. It has been very rewarding to build meaningful connections with our staff, and our residents and their families. I want to create an environment where they receive compassionate care, maintain dignity, and thrive despite health challenges. I take pride in our motto, “Empowering Better Living” for our residents.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a skilled nursing home administrator?
- Seek holistic education about the role. Understand clinical, regulatory, financial, and interpersonal aspects.
- Tap into your personal empathy. Put yourself in residents’ shoes; empathy drives better decision-making.
- Be adaptable. As healthcare evolves, you need to be open to change and continuous learning.
- Be an advocate for residents’ rights and well-being.
- Practice self-care by prioritizing physical health, mental well-being, and work-life balance so you can show up as your best self every day.
- Build trust with your team by delegating tasks.
- Tap into your support network. Consult colleagues, mentors, and professional networks. Remember, each day brings opportunities to make a difference!
What do you see as the biggest trends or changes in the skilled nursing industry over the next few years?
Legal and regulatory mandates are on the horizon. However, advocacy efforts are ongoing. Staying updated and compliant with these changes is crucial. By developing impactful clinical programs that exceed state and federal requirements, we will improve resident outcomes.
Technological integration is trending in our industry. The adoption of AI and other technologies is becoming essential. These tools help improve efficiency, patient care, and data management. To adapt, we plan to upskill current staff through innovative training programs.
