A recent survey conducted by Kare, a digital labor marketplace for post-acute and senior living operators, in collaboration with the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA), revealed concerning findings about the psychological safety of nurses in the senior housing and care sector.
Out of 1,142 long-term care professionals surveyed, only 41% of nurses reported feeling psychologically safe in their workplaces, which is significantly lower than other frontline staff. Certified nursing assistants and certified medication aides, on the other hand, expressed higher levels of psychological safety at 59% and 60%, respectively.
The study also highlighted issues such as a lack of community, absence of authentic self-expression, and inadequate recognition for nurses. Recommendations from the report include establishing support groups, implementing training programs, offering recognition and rewards, providing educational opportunities, and organizing team-building activities to address these concerns.
Senior Vice President Katie Rhone emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by the careforce in senior housing, especially in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings aim to shed light on the mental health and well-being of the workforce to ensure retention and overall industry sustainability.
In response to the findings, senior living operators are looking to attract nurses and other hard-to-hire workers by emphasizing the unique benefits of working in senior living, including a strong sense of connection and a slower pace compared to other healthcare settings.
