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We have all heard it, and many of you have lived it - there is a staffing crisis in the nursing home sector that feels like a marathon with no finish line. But this week, there is a good reason to stay tuned in.
The federal government is more than doubling down on its support for the long-term care community.
Nursing shortages
There is no secret that nursing shortages are affecting most cities across the country, and many rural areas are feeling it more. When the number of nurses available in a facility is limited, the entire workforce feels stressed, leading to burnout and last-minute call outs, which result in low-quality patient care.
According to research from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the COVID-19 pandemic inspired new nursing students. However, due to shortages in teaching faculty, classroom, and practical spaces, 80,521 qualified applicants could not be admitted. Another report observed a shortage of 1,637 educators across 892 nursing schools. Many of these positions required or preferred a doctoral degree.
Based on that, it is clear that a government investment is needed to help change this situation.
How CMS is doubling down on the nursing workforce investment
Recently, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed that his agency’s nursing home staffing campaign more than doubled, going from $75 million to $200 million.
The campaign was expected to spend $75 million on nurse training and recruitment for the long-term care sector. Still, this summer it will start differently, thanks to a successful collaboration with all 50 states.
At the CMS Quality Conference in Baltimore, Dr. Oz announced a $200 million budget, stating:
“Every governor, all 50, engaged us to contribute money so all of us can train more nurses designed for nursing home staffing, especially in rural areas…And it’s gonna work. We’ll launch it over the summer.”
Donors and the costs to be covered were not identified.
The staffing campaign
The benefit from this staffing campaign is an incentive to attract registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses, including up to $40,000 in tuition reimbursement and/or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for a 3-year commitment to work in a qualifying nursing home or state inspection agency.
Furthermore, CMS also indicated that it will be investing in online programs that will promote and streamline the recruitment process for certified nursing assistants.
This opportunity is seen as a success because previous attempts to launch the program have been delayed since 2023, and finally, nurses can access it. Applications are due by March 27, 2026, and the program is expected to start on July 1, 2026.
Healthcare professionals now have many opportunities to access education and get qualified to work in different areas, such as nursing home care.
Nursa is a modern healthcare staffing platform that connects nurses and facilities. Through our blog, Nursa keeps you updated on what is happening in the nursing industry.
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