Your Guide To Becoming A Nursing Home Administrator

Working in nursing homes can be a fulfilling career choice, one in which you get to help seniors and their families adjust to the realities of elder care. While every nursing home staff member is vital to operations, if you want to help manage the day-to-day operations of your center, look into becoming a nursing home administrator.

Nursing home administrators use a wide range of hard and soft skills to keep their skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes running smoothly. The best administrators have a mix of hands-on experience as a caretaker and advanced training in administrative best practices. If you think you have what it takes to help run a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, keep reading to learn how to find a great job.

Nursing Home Administrator Job Description

While the broad purpose of a nursing home administrator is pretty clear, their day-to-day responsibilities are more varied. Here’s what to expect from your nursing home administration position. Here's what a nursing home administrator is expected to do:

Oversee Daily Operations

One of your primary responsibilities is to oversee the daily operations of the facility. You’ll coordinate various departments, such as nursing, housekeeping, and dietary services, to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your ultimate goal is to ensure residents receive the highest quality care and that your staff intentionally creates a safe and comfortable environment. Practically, this means you will create or update systems and processes to support your ultimate goal of quality care for your residents.

Staff Management

Nursing home administrators hire, train, and supervise staff members, from caregivers to kitchen staff. You’ll conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to help staff grow and improve. You’ll also form a supportive and open workplace culture by always putting your staff first and remaining honest but empathetic.

Financial Management

As an administrator, you’ll prepare and manage the facility’s budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated appropriately. You will also handle billing and accounting tasks, processing all financial transactions accurately and on time. If your community utilizes bookkeepers or accountants, you will oversee their work and check that everything is within the budget.

Ensure Compliance

One of your top responsibilities is ensuring the facility meets and exceeds all relevant regulations without exceptions. You’ll do this by working closely with the Director of Nursing (DON), who is also responsible for maintaining the facility’s local, state, and federal regulations. You and the DON will collaborate in drafting schedules, conducting audits, and developing processes to keep your facility compliant.

Regular audits and inspections will be part of your routine to identify areas that need improvement. Should any compliance issues arise, it will be your responsibility to find a solution and educate your staff so that they don’t happen again.

Resident Care

Ensuring residents receive high-quality care is at the heart of your responsibilities. You’ll work alongside the nursing staff to develop and implement individualized care plans that cater to each resident’s needs. These care plans ensure that your residents receive appropriate medical attention, dietary accommodations, and social support.

Additionally, you’ll be the point of contact for concerns or feedback from residents and their families. Many nursing home administrators balance empathetic listening with firm boundaries to protect both their residents and staff, depending on what the situation calls for. Brush up your conflict resolution skills to find success in this role.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Nursing Home Administrator?

Like any other position, you need certain qualifications to become a nursing home administrator. Between advanced education and the proper licensure, becoming a nursing home administrator requires some preparation.

A Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a nursing home administrator is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, gerontology, business administration, or another relevant field. This foundational education will introduce you to the basics of effectively running a healthcare facility or other business. While a bachelor’s degree will get you far, to make it all the way to nursing home administrator, you will likely need to continue your education after getting that diploma.

Master’s Degree or Other Advanced Education

Many nursing home administrator positions require a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA), a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare focus, or a related advanced degree. Advanced education deepens your understanding of healthcare systems and sharpens your leadership and management skills through hands-on application. Engaging in specialized courses on topics like gerontology, healthcare finance, and healthcare policy can also give you an edge in addressing the specific challenges of managing a long-term care facility.

National and State Licensure

In addition to your academic qualifications, you’ll need to obtain the proper licensure to practice as a nursing home administrator. Start by completing a state-approved training program designed for nursing home administrators. After your training, you’ll need to pass the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) exam to obtain your license. Beyond this, your state may also have its own licensure requirements, so check the specific criteria for your state. You may also need to maintain your license by staying updated on industry standards and regulations and taking continued education courses occasionally.

Relevant Experience

Experience is a crucial component of your qualifications. Gaining hands-on experience in healthcare management or a related field will prepare you for the multifaceted role of a nursing home administrator. One way you can do this is through internships and entry-level positions such as Administrator in Training (AIT) where you can understand what daily operations are like in nursing homes. The more experience you gain, the better equipped you’ll be to manage the role.

Skills You Need To Succeed In Nursing Home Administration

You need other skills beyond formal education and licensure to succeed as a nursing home administrator. Many of these skills are learned through experience, whether in an administrative position or hands-on care. If you’re early in your career, intentionally develop these skills before seeking an administrative position.

Leadership and Management

As an administrator, you’ll need to develop strong leadership skills to manage a nursing team. This means learning to guide your team through daily operations and gracefully navigating challenges. Conflict resolution and effective decision-making are skills that will help you maintain a cohesive, productive workplace.

Crisis Management

Nursing homes commonly experience crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that even further. To navigate these crises, you must stay calm under pressure and lead through difficult times, which is critical to the safety of your residents and staff. As an administrator, you’ll need to be prepared to handle emergencies, whether they involve health crises, natural disasters, or unexpected operational challenges. Your ability to lead decisively and maintain order during these times will prove your competence as an administrator.

Communication and Mediation

As a nursing home administrator, you will interact with your staff members, residents, and their families in written form and in person. As such, it’s essential to have communication skills to handle any scenario. The best way you can do this is through practice. By stretching your active listening skills, you’ll be able to understand your facility’s needs and respond in a way that fosters trust and cooperation.

Financial Acumen

Strong financial acumen will allow you to keep the facility financially stable while ensuring that residents receive the best possible care. You’ll need to be proficient in budgeting, accounting, and financial planning to ensure the facility operates within its financial means. This includes analyzing financial statements and reports to make informed resource allocation and cost management decisions.

Regulatory Knowledge

As mentioned, one of your primary responsibilities as a nursing home administrator is to ensure your facility meets regulatory compliance. The only way you can do that is to know these regulations and laws in the first place. However, laws are known to change, so you must stay abreast of any adaptations to regulations and enact them at your nursing home. Doing so will also help you protect the facility and its residents in case of conflict.

Career Path: Steps to Becoming a Nursing Home Administrator

Working your way up to administration can take a few different paths. If you’re just beginning your career in senior care, here’s where to start.

Entry-Level Positions

Your journey to becoming a nursing home administrator often begins with entry-level positions in healthcare facilities. Starting in roles such as an assistant administrator or department manager allows you to gain valuable experience and insight into the daily operations of a nursing home. These positions allow you to learn the ropes of healthcare management in a practical and hands-on setting, helping you build the skills and connections you’ll need to advance.

Advanced Roles and Specializations

As you gain experience, you may move into more advanced roles, such as regional or executive director. You’ll have a higher level of responsibility in these roles and a deeper understanding of healthcare management. Specializing in gerontology, healthcare finance, or regulatory compliance can further enhance your expertise and make you a competitive candidate for top administrative roles.

Job Market and Opportunities for Nursing Home Administrators

Like any industry, senior care administrators have to keep up with the job market. Here’s what you need to know while looking for a senior care administrator role.

Employment Outlook

The demand for nursing home administrators will grow in the next decade, mainly because the United States’s aging population will require more long-term care services. As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for skilled administrators to manage nursing homes and ensure high-quality care is increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical and health services managers, including nursing home administrators, will grow by 17% through 2024, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is primarily due to the expanding need for long-term care services as the baby boomer generation continues to age.

Furthermore, as the population of individuals aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 46.2 million in 2014 to 98 million by 2060, the demand for nursing home facilities and skilled administrators is expected to grow in parallel​. This demographic shift is creating significant job opportunities across the country, particularly in regions with higher concentrations of elderly residents. However, it’s important to note that job availability can vary by region, with some areas experiencing higher demand than others. Staying informed about regional job trends can help you target your job search more effectively.

Advancement Opportunities

Once within the field, you can move into more senior roles, such as regional director or executive positions within larger healthcare organizations. These roles typically offer greater responsibility and influence over multiple facilities or broader aspects of healthcare operations. Additionally, there are numerous professional growth and development opportunities, whether through continuing education, specialized certifications, or involvement in industry associations. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you can enhance your skills and open doors to new and rewarding roles in the healthcare sector.

Working As An Interim Nursing Home Administrator

Interim nursing home administrator positions can be a strategic stepping stone in your career. These temporary roles often arise when a facility experiences a transition, such as when the current NHA resigns or retires, or when a facility needs additional leadership support or a special skill set. Finding and taking advantage of interim positions can provide valuable experience, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and leadership abilities in a real-world setting. To find these opportunities, network with industry professionals, join relevant associations, and watch job boards specializing in healthcare positions. Consider contacting a reputable recruiting firm specializing in senior living and long-term care. They’re experts at filling interim NHA assignments. An interim position can often lead to a full-time role, providing a pathway to further your career while gaining diverse experience.

Becoming a nursing home administrator offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors and their families. With the growing demand for skilled administrators driven by an aging population, now is the perfect time to pursue this career.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, MedBest can help you find the perfect nursing home administrator position. Contact MedBest today to start your journey toward a fulfilling career in senior care administration.

FAQs About Becoming a Nursing Home Administrator

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Nursing Home Administrator?

A nursing home administrator manages the daily operations of the facility, including overseeing staff, finances, and resident care. They ensure the facility complies with all local, state, and federal regulations and maintains high standards of care for residents. Additionally, administrators oversee facility management, addressing any issues that arise, such as maintenance concerns or operational challenges. Their role is pivotal in creating a safe and supportive environment for residents and staff.

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Home Administrator?

To become a nursing home administrator, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field. Following this, you must complete a state-approved training program specific to nursing home administration. For those looking to advance their careers or take on more specialized roles, pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) or a related advanced degree can be highly beneficial.

How Much Experience is Required to Become a Nursing Home Administrator?

Most nursing home administrator positions require several years of experience in healthcare management. This experience often includes hands-on roles in healthcare facilities, such as internships or entry-level positions in nursing homes. Experience in managing staff, operations, and finances is crucial, as these are core responsibilities of the role. The more experience you gain in these areas, the better prepared you will be to step into a nursing home administrator position.

What Skills Are Essential for a Successful Nursing Home Administrator?

A successful nursing home administrator needs strong leadership, communication, and financial management skills. Knowledge of healthcare regulations and standards is essential to ensure the facility complies with the law. Additionally, the ability to handle stressful situations, make informed decisions, and lead a diverse team is crucial to managing the challenges that come with the role. Strong mediation and conflict resolution skills also help address concerns from staff, residents, and their families.

What Are the Challenges Faced by Nursing Home Administrators?

Nursing home administrators face several challenges, including managing a diverse team while ensuring high-quality care for residents. Staff hiring and retention is another significant challenge, as turnover rates in the industry can be high. Administrators must also navigate complex regulatory compliance and financial management tasks, ensuring the facility remains solvent and compliant with all regulations. Addressing resident and family concerns effectively is another challenge, requiring a balance of empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills.

How Can MedBest Help in Finding a Nursing Home Administrator Job?

MedBest specializes in recruiting senior care professionals, focusing on nursing home administrators. They offer a vast network of industry connections, helping job seekers find the right positions in the senior care field. MedBest also provides resources to help candidates prepare for interviews and secure the best job opportunities, whether they are looking for permanent or interim placements. Their expertise in the industry ensures that you are well-matched with positions that align with your skills and career goals.

Want more information regarding executive level senior living talent? Contact our executive recruiting specialists at https://www.medbest.com/client/ /727-526-1294 and jkrupenski@medbest.com

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder & CEO of MedBest Recruiting. Since opening its doors in 2001, Julie has grown MedBest into an award winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including Top 20 Executive Search Firm 2024, Top Interim Services Provider 2023, INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021!  In addition, Julie was named as one of the “Top 100 Women Leaders in Tampa 2022″ by Women We Admire.

MedBest has gained national recognition due to Julie’s industry expertise and high level of success. Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the senior living / long term care industry.  She previously worked in operations for both senior housing and senior living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie and her industry-savvy team of recruiters, make it their mission to place exceptional industry executives in senior living positions where they have the greatest impact. Contact Julie at jkrupenski@medbest.com.

ABOUT MEDBEST
MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living / Long Term Care Industry. For more than two decades, we have connected senior living / long term care organizations with exceptional senior living executive talent for both permanent and interim roles. MedBest was named as a  Top 20 Executive Search Firm and Top 10 Interim Services Provider! In addition, we were one of American’s top companies by Inc.5000 and a Tampa Fast 50 Company in 2021! MedBest is a member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) and American Staffing Association (ASA). Contact MedBest at 727-526-1294.