Introducing AAPACN’s New Nursing Home Administrator—Certified (NHA-CT®) Certification Program!

DNS / Leadership and Management / Podcast

In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for AAPACN, give listeners an inside look at AAPACN’s brand new certification program, the Nursing Home …

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:57 — 5.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

10-Week Nurse Assessment Coordinator Orientation Guide Tool

Leadership and Management / NAC / Tool

Orientation for a new nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) is a very complex and long process. It is important to establish a realistic schedule that will allow for effective learning but will not be overwhelming. AAPACN’s new 10-Week NAC Orientation Guide will help pace the orientation process and set the foundation …

New Research Finds AAPACN-Certified Nursing Facilities Outperform Peers on Quality, Workforce Stability and Business Performance

Press Release

Dobson DaVanzo analysis links AAPACN certification to higher CMS Star Ratings, stronger staffing, and improved financial outcomes DENVER, Co., May 12, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) today released new research conducted by Dobson DaVanzo & Associates showing that skilled nursing facilities employing AAPACN-certified nurses deliver …

Psychotropic Medication Audit Form

Clinical Care Solutions / DNS / Tool

This tool is designed to help facilities ensure the safe, appropriate, and compliant use of psychotropic medications. It guides staff through a structured review of each resident’s medication, including diagnosis support, informed consent, behavior documentation, non-pharmalogical interventions, gradual dose reductions, and care plan alignment. By using this audit regularly, facilities …

TIP: Final Influenza Vaccination Reporting Deadline Approaching

DNS / NAC / QAPI and Quality Initiatives / Tip

The deadline to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system is May 18, 2026. This reporting is required for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and covers the period October 1, 2025, through March 31, …

Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Blog / Student

Celebrating the AAPACN Education Foundation 2026 Scholarship Recipients For many, post-acute care isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Driven by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of long-term care residents, these dedicated professionals often aspire to further their education to better serve their communities. The AAPACN Education Foundation turns …

The Quality Ecosystem: How Quality Programs Thrive or Fail Together – May 7, 2026

On-demand Webinar

Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: May 7, 2026Duration: 60 minutesSpeakers: Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA Quality measures, Five-Star ratings, the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP), SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program (SNF VBP), and data validation are interconnected—not siloed. Collectively, they create an ecosystem where success or failure is shared …

Celebrating Yourself on NAC Day

NAC / Podcast

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, Jessie McGill, senior curriculum development specialist, and Jennifer LaBay, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss celebrating yourself on NAC Day, raising awareness of the NAC role, and supporting wellness and self-care. Additional Resources: Free Member Tools: …

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:32 — 12.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

TIP: Final Influenza Vaccination Reporting Deadline Approaching

DNS / NAC / QAPI and Quality Initiatives / Tip

The deadline to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system is May 18, 2026. This reporting is required for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) and covers the period Oct.1, 2025, through …

Q&A: If a resident returns on day 30 after discharge (return anticipated), is it a readmission or new admission?

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Q&A

Question: If a resident was discharged return anticipated and comes back on day 30, would this be considered a readmission or a new admission? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: If the resident comes back on day 30, she would be a readmission not a new admission. …