Literature Review
Nursing Home Staffing and Training Recommendations for Promoting Older Adults’ Quality of Care and Life: Part 2. Increasing Nurse Staffing and Training

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 1 No. 2 April 2008

By Meridean L. Maas, PhD, RN, FAAN; Janet P. Specht, PhD, RN, FAAN; Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN; Josephine Gittler, JD; Kate Bechen, JD, MPH

ABSTRACT

In the second article of this two-part series, research supporting the need for more RNs and assisting staff (licensed practical nurses [LPNs] and certified nursing assistants [CNAs]) with gerontological nursing training in nursing homes is reviewed. Using the literature, time studies, the judgments of experts, and the expected quality and quantity of care older adults should rightfully receive, recommended standards are set forth for RN and assisting staff hours per resident day, their training, and compensation. Leadership training is recommended for RNs and increased gerontological nursing training is recommended for RNs and assisting staff. Finally, to address the shortage of RNs with gerontological nursing and leadership training in nursing homes, a program to prepare RNs as geriatric nursing long-term care specialists is proposed.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Maas is Professor Emerita of Nursing and Co-Director, The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, Dr. Specht is Associate Professor of Nursing and Practice Director, The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, Dr. Buckwalter is Sally Mathis Professor of Gerontological Nursing Research and Director, The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, Dr. Gittler is Wiley B. Rutledge Professor of Law, Professor of Health Management and Policy, and Policy Director, The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, and Dr. Bechen is Research Assistant, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

This research was funded by the Nellie Ball Trust Research Fund, Iowa State Bank and Trust Company, Trustee, and The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, The University of Iowa College of Nursing.

Address correspondence to Meridean L. Maas, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor Emerita of Nursing, Co-Director, The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, 456 NB, Iowa City, IA 52242; e-mail: meridean-maas@uiowa.edu.