Over the
Holidays I had a few conversations in social settings where the people said “Do
you have to have a license to do that? You have to have a degree?” They were truly
shocked at such a crazy idea. And I always say as it’s not the first time it’s
come up, “ Yes……Skilled Nursing is regulated second only to nuclear power
plants. No to mention we are the leaders in providing care for the sick and
elderly.” So I’ve decided a quick
education is needed for those who would
like to become a license Skilled Nursing Home Administrator and at the same
time everyone else who thinks there is no standard to the position. Education
seems to be at the root of all misunderstandings.
Different
states vary on their requirements so you would need to contact the NHAP,
Nursing Home Administrator Program, for your State. Some states require that you take a State
Test before you can be licensed and some say that it is ok just to take the
Federal Test to be licensed in their state. You can go to the www.nabweb.org and get information on a
federal level and also state information. It is the best starting point. All
states are required to take and pass the Federal Exam before becoming a
licensed Administrator. As a licensed Administrator you can also be the
Administrator for a Hospital. As for keeping your license current you again would
have to follow the states rules for compliance in this area. The www.nabweb.org again is the best starting point for this
information. I would start with the NAB
and then go to your state NHAP. Some states will also have other requirements
such as a sort of internships such as in California they call it a Preceptor AIT Program, where you will work
your program with a mentor who will then also sign off on your hours before you
are eligible to take your State and Federal Exam. Go to www.administratorintraining.com
for more information.
We all have
New Year’s Resolutions. I think part of the problem in this particular
misunderstanding and really for all other misunderstandings is that people
usually talk and think more about themselves then they listen or wonder about
things or people around them. It’s interesting when I talk to the various
people in just my small world most all of them with maybe one or two exceptions
really just talk about themselves and in fact if you start to say something you
can tell they don’t care and aren’t listening. Maybe this truth, coupled with
the fact that I’m a Scorpio and getting anything out of me is like getting
blood from a stone, is why I don’t talk much about myself is that people don’t
care. I remember back in my Texas debutante Cotillion (ka-tillion) days when I
was , you guessed it, at a Cotillion at the Country Club and my Dad was off by
himself leaning against the wall with his tuxedo and bow tie all crooked, hair
crazy and brown lacassie boots and he said “how ya doing’. I just looked at him
because he looked so wrong there and I said” fine. How you doing?” He said “you know people ask you
that but they really don’t care how you’re doing. And nobody gives the truthful
answer. Everyone just says fine but there not always fine. I don’t like small
talk much”. I looked at him and just walked off. But I remember it always. He
was and still is right.
On that note
I propose that we all think less about ourselves and more about the other
person and the world that they live in.
That we respect their jobs, families, struggles, wins and
losses of life. The world is so much
bigger than just “me”.
If I can
answer questions or help in any other way please let me know.
All the best,
Lesley
AIT Course and NAB/NHAP Approved CEU
Provider for licensed SNF Administrators
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