When we launched the McKnight’s Mood of the Market surveys four years ago, the goal was pretty simple. We wanted to find out how long-term care providers truly felt about their daily roles.
On the plus side, we have succeeded well beyond our expectations. But regrettably, some of the revelations have been more than a little disturbing.
(By the way, full findings from this year’s annual survey are being presented in four installments. You can peruse the first story on staffing by Kim Marselas here).
In case you are wondering, the 2023 survey is based on more than 500 responses from directors of nursing, assistant directors of nursing, and administrators and their assistants. Given that the entire universe for skilled care is roughly 15,000 facilities, statistics pros will tell us that’s a pretty robust sample size.
First, some of the good news: Compared to a year ago, job satisfaction has actually improved a bit. Even more encouraging is that most respondents continue to find their work meaningful, if not fully appreciated.
Now for some of the bad.
Not surprisingly, one prevailing desire among LTC pros is for better pay. In fact, higher salary was cited as the best thing their bosses can do to enhance job satisfaction. While recent increases in the cost of living have contributed to the sentiment, they don’t tell the entire story.
Cara Silletto, president and chief retention officer of Magnet Culture, provided this thought-provoking insight:
“They just want higher salaries because they’re thinking, ‘We’re gonna have to deal with [continuing worker shortages]. And so I just need more money because I am never fully staffed. I am never going to get caught up. I am never gonna be not trying to fill tonight’s shift.”
If this perspective fails to concern you, maybe it should. If it’s anywhere near accurate, it means that higher compensation is often viewed as a transaction rather than a recognition. Essentially, it translates to more pay for enduring an environment that breeds hopelessness and misery.
When we put soldiers in harm’s way, we give them combat pay. But it’s understood that the situation will be temporary. But for long-term care workers, relief seems nowhere in sight.
Small wonder so many people in this line of work are feeling, well, moody.
John O’Connor is editorial director for McKnight’s.
Opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News columns are not necessarily those of McKnight’s.
