Pandemic is worsening nursing home staffing shortages

The novel coronavirus pandemic has made working conditions even more challenging for frontline nursing home staff, who face heavy workloads, infection risk, and the emotional burden of caring for residents dealing with significant illness and loneliness.

These findings are published in an Issue Brief presenting results from Q&I's survey of frontline staff working in long-term care settings during the pandemic. More than 150 nursing home staff from 32 states responded. More than half of respondents (53%) reported an increase in staff call-outs in their facility; nearly as many (47%) said they were being asked to work multiple shifts. Respondents from facilities with increased call-outs had increased responsibilities. Yet only one-third (30%) of respondents overall reported increased pay and only 9% reported increased availability of sick leave or time off.

The Issue Brief also presents frontline workers’ comments about issues such as burnout and low morale. Many cited heavy workload as contributing to these feelings.

Learn more about staffing in nursing homes by reading the Issue Brief. Please also continue to take and amplify the survey, which remains live.

Issue Brief #2: Staffing in Nursing Homes (July 2020)