HOW WELL TRAINED ARE NURSING-HOME ADMINISTRATORS

Nursing home administrators represent wide variations in academic trai ning. General educational levels do not seem to affect administrative preparation in key domains of practice-specific academic fields of stu dy are more relevant. Hence, sole emphasis on higher educational requi rements for licensure appears to be a misdirected strategy for improvi ng quality of care and enhancing management efficiencies in nursing ho mes. Educational paradigms studied have strengths and weaknesses in fu rnishing various job skills. These results are helpful in defining str ategic actions for addressing both current deficiencies and future tra ining needs. A specialized long-term care model that incorporates appr opriate clinical and business skills is recommended. The roles of cont inuing education and executive educational offerings also need streaml ining. These initiatives would require a joint effort from policymaker s, academicians, and practitioners.