The Role of Clinical Leaders in Workforce Development and Retention in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care

A few weeks ago, I was conducting staff training on the assessment and care of individuals living with dementia at a local post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) facility that I collaborated with intermittently over the past several years. One of the caring, highly qualified, and optimistic nurse managers shared her concerns related to the increasing challenges with staff recruitment. She said, “I guess no one wants to work in long-term care anymore.” This facility and many others have been experiencing staffing shortages, which are now widespread in nursing, recreation, environmental and dining services.