Board Certified RNs Make All the Difference in Skilled Nursing Facility Performance

Research conducted by AHCA/NCAL in 2019 shows that SNFs that employ at least one American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Board certified RN performed higher on average on SNF VBP performance scores.

The average 2017 SNF VBP performance score across the nation was 34.4.  For SNFs with at least one RN who has been ANCC Board certified in gerontological nursing, the average SNF VBP performance score was 44.2.  The net result is that these SNFs get higher Medicare Part A reimbursements.

The AHCA/NCAL 2019 research also found that SNFs with at least one ANCC Board certified RN also experienced:
  • Fewer survey deficiencies
  • Fewer IJ citations
  • Lower rehospitalization rates
  • Lower rates of off-label use of antipsychotics
  • Higher CMS 5-Star ratings

The ANCC offers certification in gerontological nursing – the gold standard in demonstrating clinical excellence in geriatric patient care.  ANCC is the world’s largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization and a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.  Less than one percent of America’s RNs are board certified in gerontological nursing.
To help RNs prepare for the certification exam, AHCA/NCAL offers an online course called Gero Nurse Prep.  RNs who complete the course earn 30 nursing contact hours and experience a 96% pass rate on the ANCC certification exam on the first try.  Gero Nurse Prep students see a whopping 24 percent average increase between their pre- and post-test scores.
Gero Nurse Prep is flexible.  RNs study online at their own pace and have one year from the time they enroll to complete their Gero Nurse Prep coursework.
AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep provides tremendous value at the $690 AHCA/NCAL member  price.   That’s $23 per contact hour for outstanding nursing education that makes a measurable difference on so many fronts.  For RNs pursuing Board certification through ANCC, there is an additional and separate cost of $395.

To learn more about Gero Nurse Prep and ANCC Board certification, watch this video and check out AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep today.

Solid advice from nurses on how to seek a promotion.

In this recent article from McKnight’s, executive nurses attending the NADONA conference give practical tips for those seeking job advancement. One of their  key pieces of advice to nurses was to pursue additional education in their field of  nursing, mentioning certification as an option. In addition to helping RNs climb the career ladder, nursing certification has been linked to fewer medical errors, and increased job satisfaction and confidence.

Sound interesting? Find out how you can become board certified in gerontological nursing by going to https://www.geronurseprep.com/

 

 

 

 

NSNCW is May 12-18.

National Skilled Nursing Care Week is May 12-18. The 2019 theme is “Live Soulfully,” which will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing how they achieve happy minds and healthy souls. Every day, skilled nursing centers assist frail, elderly, and disabled individuals in living their happiest lives. Whether it’s planting, cooking, reading or listening to music, staff at our nation’s centers pay it forward by dedicating themselves to improving quality of life for residents.

AHCA has several resources at ahcancal.org/NSNCW to help you celebrate NSNCW, including graphics, a planning guide, sample social media posts, newsletter template, and more. Use the hashtag #NSNCW on social media to share how you’re celebrating and follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here.

National Nurses Day – May 6, 2019

National Nurses Day Activities

Thank the Nurses in Your Life

Nursing is known for being a “behind-the-scenes” profession. A simple “thank you for all you do” could make a nurse’s day by showing that you notice their hard work. With more than 3 million registered nurses in the USA, chances are there is at least one nurse out there who would be thrilled to be the object of your gratitude.

 

Give the Gift of Caffeine

Nurses often work long, thankless shifts—standing on their feet for 12 or more hours a day. For a nurse on the run, there’s nothing better than a boost of caffeine in the middle of a shift. Head over to your local clinic or hospital with copious amounts of coffee in tow, and tell the receptionist you’re there to honor the nurses for National Nurses Day.

 

Learn About the Woman Responsible for It All

We’ve all heard the name Florence Nightingale. But do you know what made her famous? In honor of National Nurses Day, educate yourself about this groundbreaking woman who paved the way for modern nursing. Read an article—or better yet, watch a documentary—about “The Lady with the Lamp.” Bonus points if you can recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge afterwards!

5 Facts About Famous Nurses That Prove Why Nurses Rock

https://nationaltoday.com/national-nurses-day/