​Learning is a required skill when working in the health care industry. Whether it is changing regulations, updated science, technology innovations, or new mindsets, learning is the way we stay fresh and ready to perform at our highest level. 

Learning doesn’t necessarily mean schoolwork or book smarts. Being intentional about learning new skills, ideas, or strategies can be done through experience, critical thinking, problem-solving, and being adaptable. 

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of the caregiving workforce, and long term care needs to appeal to young people as a career choice. New ways of training CNAs can help. This training can be targeted or a wide variety of skills, specific content plus career prep, or flexible hours with financial support. 

Updated federal guidance on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) makes this the right time to ensure caregivers are current on regulations. This means assessing where you are, educating staff, and documenting along the way. EBP data will be important in your next survey. 

Learning also means keeping up with the wants and needs of potential residents. Baby boomers have an active and independent mindset and want to keep that lifestyle as they age. Modernizing your marketing to appeal to potential residents can make a big difference.  

Another aspect of learning is working together in new ways. AHCA’s 2025 policy agenda includes bold solutions to benefit all stakeholders as we address workforce shortages, threats to reimbursement, and a broken oversight system. 

This issue also celebrates the 2024 National Quality Award recipients, details the benefits of aggregated data in assisted living, and highlights how to be prepared to communicate in a crisis. 

The pace of change doesn’t slow down, yet we can face these changes with a growth mindset, curiosity, and resilience.