Changes in Nursing Home Staffing Levels, 1997 to 2007

Abstract

A positive relationship has been demonstrated between the quality of care delivered in nursing homes and the quality of nursing staff providing the care. The general perception, however, is that there is a decline in registered nurses’ staff hours in nursing homes. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether the levels of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nursing assistants (NAs) as well as skill mix has changed in nursing homes between the years 1997 and 2007. A descriptive research design was employed on data derived from Online Survey Certification and Reporting System database. After accounting for facility size and ownership, it was found that more nursing homes have increased—rather than decreased—LPN and NA hours per resident day between 1997 and 2007. On the other hand, more nursing homes have decreased—rather than increased—RN hours per resident day and skill mix during the same time period.