At PACS Group (NYSE: PACS), the success of their high-growth model is largely attributed to empowering early career administrators. By offering greater autonomy, PACS has redefined the traditional path of nursing home administrator training, allowing nursing home administrators in training to assume significant responsibilities much earlier in their careers.
Josh Jergensen, COO of PACS Group, emphasizes that this approach benefits the organization and addresses a pressing need within the nursing home sector. "Enabling new leaders to make crucial decisions from the start is essential, yet many in our industry haven't fully embraced this change," he shared in an interview with Skilled Nursing News.
A Shift from Traditional to Innovative Training Programs
In his discussion, Jergensen highlighted the unique features of PACS's administrator-in-training (AIT) program, which has proven effective in reducing burnout among emerging leaders. The conventional model typically involves a lengthy, formal, two-year training period where AITs rotate through various departments to gain an understanding of operations. While this experience can be beneficial, Jergensen points out that it often leads to feeling stuck in middle management, contributing to burnout.
PACS's modern approach condenses the AIT training period to about six months. During this time, AITs closely shadow experienced administrators, observing how they handle challenges and interact with stakeholders. This method allows for a deeper understanding of the administrator's role, especially regarding how decisions impact areas like housekeeping, food service, and clinical teams.
Remarkable Retention Rates
Since its inception, PACS has hired 205 AITs, with approximately 157 still employed, reflecting an impressive retention rate of 77%. This success demonstrates that when nursing home administrators in training are given the autonomy and support they need, they are more likely to thrive within the organization.
Addressing Compensation and Professional Growth
Jergensen stresses that the future of nursing home administrator training must also focus on competitive compensation and clear paths for professional growth. "While starting salaries for AITs may not be high, it's crucial to outline the potential earnings and advancement opportunities as they transition into full-fledged administrators," he explained.
Potential career paths include leading larger facilities or overseeing multiple locations, which is very appealing to younger, entrepreneurial individuals looking to start their careers in healthcare.
Adapting to Local Market Needs
Another important aspect of effective nursing home administration is understanding the unique dynamics of local markets. Jergensen explains that good leaders recognize that some facilities may have more RNs or LPNs, and successful administrators will adapt their management style to fit these needs. This decentralized decision-making allows facilities to remain responsive to changing environments.
The Importance of Effective Surveys
Jergensen also addressed the challenges surrounding survey processes in the nursing home industry. He supports the value of surveys in maintaining quality care but raises concerns about survey backlogs that can lead to misinformation for consumers. "If the survey process is not up to date, it can mislead the public about the quality of care being provided," he cautioned.
He suggests that if the survey backlog cannot be resolved, the existing five-star ranking system may need to be rethought to ensure consistency and reliability.
The Future of Nursing Home Administrator Training
As PACS Group continues to evolve, the focus remains on improving the nursing home administrator training process. PACS aims to reshape how nursing home administrators are prepared for their roles by attracting talented individuals, offering greater autonomy, and ensuring competitive compensation.
PACS Group is paving the way for a new generation of leaders in the skilled nursing sector by fostering a supportive and empowering environment for nursing home administrators in training. This innovative approach benefits their organization and enhances the quality of care provided to residents across their facilities.
In conclusion, as the nursing home industry adapts to new challenges and demands, effective training programs like those implemented by PACS Group will be crucial for developing the next generation of skilled nursing leaders.
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