What Does A Nursing Home Administrator Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Direct the daily operations of the nursing home

The main job duty of the Nursing Home Administrator is to oversee the daily operations of the nursing home. They may coordinate with the supervisors of various teams, such as housekeeping and nurses, to ensure that the facility is properly staffed. Nursing Home Administrators direct the daily tasks of all staff, including clerical and medical staff. They also ensure that the staff follows all standards and complies with necessary state and federal regulations.

Supervise the hiring and training of new employees

Nursing Home Administrators are not always directly involved in the hiring and training of employees. For example, a Nursing Home Administrator may set the budget for hiring new staff. They may also sit in on interviews and provide their recommendations while leaving the decision to supervisors or managers.

Attend meetings with staff, patients, and families

Nursing Home Administrators attend a lot of meetings. They may meet with staff each day to receive a summary of any new developments or operational concerns. They may also meet with governing boards, stakeholders, or owners to ensure that they are meeting their objectives. Before meeting with a governing body or owner, the Nursing Home Administrator may need to compile reports or financial summaries.

Nursing Home Administrators also occasionally meet with families who are interested in having loved ones admitted to the facility. For example, a family may want to meet with the Administrator to ensure that the facility is the right fit for their loved one. Administrators also meet with healthcare providers such as Physicians, Nurses, and other medical professionals. This is often necessary when coordinating patient care with other facilities.

Monitor the budget and find ways to reduce costs

One of the primary responsibilities of the Nursing Home Administrator is to administer the budget. In some cases, the budget is established by a board of directors or the owner of the facility. It is the responsibility of the Nursing Home Administrator to ensure that spending does not exceed the budget.

Many nursing home facility owners and governing boards also expect Nursing Home Administrators to help maintain lower costs and increase profits without reducing the quality of care. This may involve freezing the hiring of new staff or negotiating with vendors.

Perform a wide range of administrative tasks

Nursing Home Administrators spend most of their day performing administrative tasks. They may need to review the budget, schedules, and incident reports. They may also coordinate with medical supply vendors and arrange the delivery of supplies. Other administrative tasks include filing paperwork with insurance companies, reviewing payroll data, and setting service rates.

Step 1: Develop essential skills in high school

Nursing Home Administrators require strong critical thinking, organizational, and analytical skills. You can work on these skills in high school by taking math classes.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Aspiring Nursing Home Administrators typically start their formal education with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration or Healthcare Administration. Another option is to earn a Nursing degree and take courses in Business Administration and Accounting.

Step 3: Earn a Master’s Degree

While some small nursing homes may only require a Bachelor’s degree, most employers require candidates to have at least a Master’s degree in Health Administration. You do not need a Bachelor’s in Health Administration to enroll in a Master’s program. Many programs accept related fields of study, such as Nursing.

Step 4: Gain work experience

You will need experience before moving up to the Administrator role. Many Nursing Home Administrators gain work experience working in the clerical or administrative departments of nursing homes.

Step 5: Obtain a state license

Each state requires Nursing Home Administrators to obtain a license to practice. The requirements vary but you typically need to pass a licensing exam from the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards.