Be a DON they said...it will be fun they said

Tales from the floor

The joys of being called to leadership are often outweighed quickly by the demands of the job. I learned this the hard way, so I would like to share my experiences, the good…..the bad….. and the ugly so that others may learn from my mistakes. The first thing you need is professional advice and camaraderie so you do not feel alone. This is where NADONA comes into play.

The Role of NADONA in Advancing Nursing Leadership and Long-Term Care

Professional nursing organizations play a critical role in shaping healthcare delivery, policy, and professional development. For nurses working in long-term care and post-acute settings, leadership support and advocacy are especially important due to the complexity of regulations, staffing challenges, and resident acuity. One organization that directly addresses these needs is the NADONA (National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care). This blog explores the history, mission, membership, policy influence, and personal significance of NADONA within the healthcare system.

History and Mission of NADONA

NADONA was founded in 1986 in response to the growing need for strong nursing leadership in long-term care facilities. At the time, Directors of Nursing (DONs) and other nurse leaders faced increasing regulatory oversight without adequate education, advocacy, or professional support. NADONA emerged to fill that gap by focusing specifically on the unique challenges of nursing administration in long-term care.

The mission of NADONA is to develop, support, and advocate for nurse leaders in long-term and post-acute care. The organization emphasizes education, leadership development, regulatory competence, and quality improvement. Through conferences, certification programs, and policy engagement, NADONA seeks to improve resident outcomes by strengthening nursing leadership.

Membership Base

NADONA’s membership primarily consists of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who work in leadership roles within long-term care settings. This includes Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing, MDS Coordinators, Staff Development Coordinators, and other nurse managers. Membership is open nationally, with no strict cap on the number of members, allowing broad participation from nurses across the United States.

Members gain access to continuing education, leadership certifications, regulatory updates, and professional networking opportunities. NADONA also offers specialty certifications, such as DON and Nurse Executive certifications, which further enhance professional credibility and career advancement.

Influence on Healthcare Policy

Advocacy Efforts and Policy Initiatives

NADONA plays a significant role in advocating for policies that support safe staffing, regulatory fairness, and quality care in long-term care facilities. The organization actively monitors federal and state legislation that affects nursing homes, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, staffing mandates, and survey processes.

For example, NADONA has advocated for reasonable and achievable staffing requirements, emphasizing the realities of workforce shortages while still prioritizing resident safety. The organization has also provided formal feedback on CMS proposed rules related to infection control, quality reporting, and survey reforms, helping ensure that policies reflect clinical realities.

Collaborative Efforts

NADONA collaborates with key stakeholders, including CMS, state regulatory agencies, legislators, and other healthcare organizations. It often works alongside coalitions focused on long-term care quality and workforce development. Through these collaborations, NADONA helps ensure that the nursing leadership perspective is represented in national healthcare discussions.

Educational partnerships with academic institutions and industry stakeholders also allow NADONA to expand leadership training opportunities and promote evidence-based practice in long-term care settings.

Critical Analysis and Personal Reflection

Overall, NADONA has a meaningful influence on the healthcare system, particularly in long-term care. By empowering nurse leaders with education, advocacy, and professional support, the organization contributes to improved regulatory compliance, better staff retention, and enhanced resident outcomes. Its targeted focus on nursing administration fills a critical niche not fully addressed by broader nursing organizations.

From a personal and professional perspective, organizations like NADONA are invaluable. Nursing leadership roles often entail high levels of responsibility and accountability, and access to specialized resources and peer support strengthens confidence and competence. Membership in a professional organization also reinforces accountability to best practices and lifelong learning—essential components of effective nursing leadership.

References

National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care. (2023). About NADONA. https://www.nadona.org

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Nursing home staffing and quality of care. https://www.cms.gov