The role of leadership can’t be turned on and off at the end of a shift. For the director of nursing services (DNS), the work can feel continuous, intense, and deeply personal. Regulatory pressure, staffing challenges, resident acuity, and the emotional weight of caring for both residents and team members …
From the Introduction: “This toolkit aims to [provide] an overview of fundamental ethical principles and decision-making frameworks tailored to PALTC settings. Designed for nursing home medical directors and other members of the interdisciplinary care team, it offers practical strategies for navigating ethical challenges, supporting staff in ethical decision-making, and fostering …
From Moving Forward: Nursing homes continue to face real challenges building leadership capacity and sustaining meaningful Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) work amid staffing shortages, leadership turnover, and competing demands. The Moving Forward Michigan initiative was designed to test a practical, affordable approach to strengthening leadership skills and QAPI …
Successful leadership in long-term and post-acute care is not defined solely by metrics or regulatory results. It is also measured by what residents experience every day and by the staff who care for them. The reach of the director of nursing services (DNS) extends far beyond policies and procedures. This …
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 Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss how directors of nursing services and administrators can strengthen their partnership, improve communication, and navigate the …
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By: Kristine Martinez BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, QCP, DNS-CT and Lavatus Donaldson LPN, BPS-HIM, RAC-CT, MBA, QCP With the multiple regulatory bodies that govern long term care (LTC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), it is easy to feel like there is no end to the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and …
Start your AAPACN 2026 Conference experience now—download the free AAPACN Conference app! It’s your one-stop hub for everything you need, from selecting sessions to accessing handouts. Plan ahead by selecting the sessions that matter most to you. Preselecting sessions also helps AAPACN ensure there are enough seats for all who …
Are you a nursing home administrator striving to lead your organization with confidence, clarity, and cutting-edge knowledge? The AAPACN 2026 Conference, taking place March 17–20, 2026, in Orlando, FL, now features a dedicated Administrator Track that’s designed just for you! Why This Track Matters For the first time, AAPACN is …
Change Management: How to Implement and Sustain Positive Change A Greek philosopher once pointed out that “change is the only constant in life.” More than 2,500 years later, change remains constant—and it can be a positive force in long-term care. Implementing new procedures, processes, or systems can work wonders to …
Becoming an expert-level nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of experience, continuous learning, and navigating complex clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement challenges with confidence. At this stage, expert NACs are often the go-to leaders in their organizations—trusted for their judgment, relied on for their expertise, …
