Nationwide Nursing Crisis Meets Its Match; Innovative Program Cuts Nursing Turnover Rate, Improves Quality of Care

8/12/2002

From: Nicolle Heller for the Pioneer Network, 773-907-3097

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 12 -- Nursing homes across the country are experiencing a staffing crisis that can jeopardize the quality of care and life for residents. A unique Illinois collaboration has found a way to turn the tide through a model program called "LEAP for a 21st Century Long-Term Care Workforce."

The amazing results of the "LEAP" collaboration will be showcased at "Becoming a Champion of Change: Transforming Eldercare and Our Own Aging," a national conference designed to change how we care for our elders and view aging. The conference will be hosted by the Pioneer Network on August 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Oak Brook, Ill.

"Developing highly qualified, dedicated and effective long term care staff will directly benefit the quality of life and well-being for residents," said Dr. Linda Hollinger-Smith, director of research for the Mather Institute on Aging.

"'LEAP' provides a comprehensive set of tools for nursing staff to improve their leadership abilities, communication and teamwork, as well as having a positive impact on staff's job satisfaction and retention rates."

Retention of qualified nursing personnel, particularly certified nurse assistants (CNAs) who provide the majority of personal care, is an industry-wide problem. One recent study placed the cost of recruiting and training just one CNA at $4,000. Combined with the national CNA turnover rate of 78.1 percent, this puts a major financial burden on the industry as a whole.

Mather Pavilion at Wagner, a non-profit long-term care facility operated by Mather LifeWays in Evanston, Ill. served as the "LEAP" program's initial pilot site in 2000 and 2001, with some amazing results. In 1999, the turnover rate at the facility for CNAs was 76 percent. After the LEAP program was implemented, the turnover rate dropped to an astonishingly low 17 percent, far better than the national average in 2001. Pavilion nursing retention numbers improved as well, from a 1999 turnover rate of 44 percent to a 2001 rate of only 7 percent. In addition, staff reported a more positive relationship with supervisors, greater opportunity for promotion and development and more recognition of a quality work performance.

The Pioneer Network is a grassroots movement to change and transform the culture of aging in America. It is shaped and sustained by the work, interest, and support of a broad community of elders and those who work with them. It is an inclusive movement, gathering and sharing the best work in the field. To learn more about the Pioneer Network, visit http://www.pioneernetwork.net.

--- WHAT: "LEAP" Presentation

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Fast Facts on the Nursing Shortage

-- The cost of recruiting and training one new CNA is $4,000. -- The national turnover rate for CNAs is 78.1 percent. -- 10 states have CNA turnover rates of more than 100 percent.