Leading Through Loss: Experiences of Nursing Home Administrators-in-Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

End-of-life care is a critical aspect of long-term care, yet there is limited understanding of nursing home staff’s experiences and preparation in this area, particularly among facility administrators. To address this gap, two cohorts of Administrators-in-Training (2021 & 2022) were interviewed about their knowledge and practices regarding end-of-life care in skilled nursing facilities. Interviews focused on involvement in end-of-life discussions, coping strategies, grief support, and personal perspectives on death. The findings revealed a significant lack of training on death management and end-of-life care for Administrators-in-Training (AITs), with limited grief support mechanisms in place within skilled nursing facilities. Personal experiences with death influenced AITs' approach to end-of-life care, and various coping strategies were observed. The results highlight the need for comprehensive training programs and improved support for AITs to enhance end-of-life care delivery.