In skilled nursing facilities across the country, quality care is not just a standard—it is a promise to residents and families who place their trust in dedicated caregivers. At Genesis Healthcare, that promise is being strengthened through intentional investment in nursing excellence. As AAPACN celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the QAPI Certified Professional (QCP®) certification, Genesis stands out as an example of how empowering nurses with advanced quality-focused training can transform care environments. By prioritizing QCP certification across its facilities, Genesis is equipping nurses with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful quality improvement and elevate resident care. This commitment goes beyond professional development. It fuels safer care practices, more empowered teams, and a culture rooted in continuous improvement and compassion.
AAPACN spoke with Jennifer Pyne, MSN, RN, QCP-CT, vice president of clinical operations and nursing informatics at Genesis Healthcare, to learn how QCP certification is supporting their mission and transforming both outcomes and everyday experiences for residents and staff.
What motivated Genesis to make QCP certification a priority for your nurses?
This certification equips center teams with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best practices in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI).
Is there a specific challenge or goal that QCP helps you address?
A significant challenge lies in educating team members about the QAPI process. To address this, offering convenient online modules is essential. This approach ensures consistent information delivery, empowering each team member with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively utilize the QAPI process and improve facility-wide quality.
How do you encourage and support nurses in pursuing QCP certification?
Centers receive information on certification benefits. Administrators and directors of nursing are encouraged to get certified and share the opportunity with their teams, fostering a consistent approach to QAPI activities.
AAPACN Organizational Membership Plus (OM+) includes free access to AAPACN’s online certification courses. What role did that play in making certification more accessible?
AAPACN’s OM+ membership was instrumental in making QCP certification attainable. It offered essential resources, such as educational materials and training, thereby significantly lessening the financial strain on both the team members and the centers.
How has QCP certification influenced your nurses’ confidence, expertise, or leadership in quality initiatives?
QCP certification has significantly boosted team members’ confidence and expertise, equipping them to spearhead quality initiatives and champion best practices. This has cultivated a culture of continuous improvement within our teams.
Have you noticed improvements in staff engagement or retention as a result?
While a direct correlation between staff retention and the availability of this certification cannot be established, staff engagement has been exceptional. The 85 centers within the organizational membership account for approximately 450 AAPACN members. Of these members, 43% have pursued certification opportunities such as QCP, RAC-CT®, and DNS-CT®. Their utilization of available resources has demonstrated significant engagement.
How does QCP fit into Genesis’s broader quality improvement strategy?
QCP is fundamental to our quality improvement strategy. It supports our mission to deliver high quality care by equipping staff with the knowledge and tools to apply the latest best practices in quality management.
What advantages have you seen in having access to education like QCP through your OM+ membership?
Access to QCP education via OM+ has been invaluable. It has been instrumental in fostering our staff’s professional development and reinforcing our organization’s dedication to delivering high-quality care.
How does OM+ membership support your ability to invest in staff development overall?
OM+ membership provides us with a wealth of resources and support that facilitate investment in staff development. This includes training programs, workshops, and networking opportunities, all of which contribute to a more skilled and confident workforce.
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of QCP, what would you say to other organizations considering this certification for their staff?
I would encourage other organizations to embrace QCP certification wholeheartedly. It’s a transformative investment that enhances the skills of your staff. The commitment to quality is a journey worth taking, and QCP is a proven partner in that journey.
Conclusion
As the post-acute and long-term care field continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: confident, well-supported nurses make a real difference in resident care. Genesis Healthcare’s focus on QCP certification shows how investing in staff development can strengthen teams, improve care, and create a culture of continuous learning.
As AAPACN celebrates 10 years of QCP, Genesis’ example highlights the value of this certification for anyone looking to grow their skills and take a more active role in quality improvement. If you’re thinking about your next step, earning your QCP certification can give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make a meaningful impact for your residents and your team.
Learn About OM+ Membership
Are you interested in learning more about AAPACN’s OM+ Membership and opening up more opportunities for your staff to meet their quality improvement goals? Learn more about AAPACN Organizational Membership here.