American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing

10/19/2026

Great administrators do more than lead; they move the entire facility forward. If your administrator:
✔️Builds strong teams and cultures
✔️Navigates operational and regulatory challenges
✔️Balances competing priorities
✔️Brings it all together to improve quality and the resident experience

Then we want to recognize them!

Nominate an outstanding NHA for the inaugural AAPACN Administrator of the Year Award and give them the opportunity to become the first recipient in AAPACN history.

The winner will be recognized at the Conference in New Orleans. ⚜️

Nominees must be AAPACN NHA-CT certified. Submit your nomination by Nov. 6! https://ow.ly/XMiZ50ZYwyp

10/16/2026

As part of our 10 Years of Elevating Nurse Leadership campaign, we’re sharing resources that can help nurse leaders assess where they are in their professional development.

How Do I Know If I’m Ready for DNS-CT® Certification? walks through five questions to consider, including:
☑️ Do you have six months to a year of DNS or relevant nursing leadership experience?
☑️ Do you have two years of full-time post-acute care experience?
☑️ Do you hold a current RN license?
☑️ Are you ready to deepen your knowledge across the key domains of the DNS role?
☑️ Are you looking to grow professionally and demonstrate your leadership knowledge and skills?

Not quite ready? That’s part of the journey, too. AAPACN offers resources such as Nurse Leader Fundamentals to help build your foundation.

Read more and explore resources to help you take your next step on your DNS journey:
https://ow.ly/VrYc50ZREHU

Find out if you are ready to take your knowledge to the next level with the Directors of Nursing Services—Certified (DNS-CT) certification.

10/16/2026

Behind every accurate assessment and smooth RAI process is an MDS expert who keeps the whole team grounded. Hearing last year’s peers talk about their nominees reminds us why recognition is so powerful. 🎥💡

The AAPACN Clinical Assessment Professional of the Year Award honors a dedicated MDS expert (RAC-CT or RAC-CTA certified) who shows up with unmatched knowledge, precision, and dedication to resident care.

Take a few minutes today to nominate your MDS champion for a chance to shine the spotlight on them. The winner receives complimentary conference registration and will be celebrated at in New Orleans.

🔗 Submit a nomination before Nov. 6: https://ow.ly/fwQU50ZWqKm

10/15/2026

Knowing where to find a code isn’t the same as knowing how to code! 💡

Accurate ICD-10-CM coding in long-term care requires complete provider documentation, knowing when to query, and applying rules consistently.

The new ICD-10-CM Coding Coach for Long-Term Care is designed specifically for nursing homes and post-acute care. This downloadable guide walks your team through the entire coding process step-by-step.

Here’s a look inside:
✅Real-world LTC coding demonstrations and best practice tips
✅"Coach's Red Flags" to catch documentation pitfalls early
✅Compliant provider query tools and ready-to-use sample queries
✅Quick-reference guides, printable worksheets, and documentation checklists

Help your team code with confidence and accurately capture every resident's clinical story. Access the guide today: https://www.aapacn.org/products/icd-10-cm-coding-coach/

10/14/2026

Smooth transitions save lives and strengthen resident care. In Part 4 of the Nursing Facility Systems Series on the LTC DON Chat podcast, AAPACN’s Chief Nursing Officer, Amy Stewart, and Curriculum Development Specialist, Lauren Stenson, dive into the essential role of effective admission and discharge planning systems.

What strategies does your team use to ensure seamless admission and discharge processes? Share your thoughts below!

Listen now: https://ow.ly/k2Pk50ZW6Aj

10/14/2026

For RaShon L. Mason, Vice President of Clinical Standards and Quality at , strong nursing leadership begins with relationships, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

“My advice to new DNS leaders is to focus on building strong relationships with your staff, residents, and interdisciplinary team. Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the importance of communication, mentorship, and visibility.”

RaShon pursued DNS-CT® certification to deepen her expertise in nursing leadership, clinical operations, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. The experience strengthened her confidence and credibility while supporting her ability to mentor nursing leaders, drive organizational performance, and promote consistent, high-quality resident care.

Her leadership philosophy is equally focused on people and outcomes. As she explains, “People will ultimately determine the success of any strategy.” Investing in teams, listening to their perspectives, and leading with consistency, transparency, and trust can help create stronger teams and better resident care.

Continue growing as a leader: https://www.aapacn.org/education/dns-ct/

10/13/2026

📍 Greetings from Boston! The team is on the ground at Delivering Solutions 26, AHCA/NCAL's Annual Convention & Expo!

If you are attending DS26 this week, keep an eye out for our team. We always love having the opportunity to connect with our partners and meet dedicated post-acute care leaders.

Say hello when you see us! 👋

10/13/2026

COVID-19 tested every corner of and redefined what healthcare professionals needed most from associations. 💡

On the latest episode of the Associations Thrive Podcast, AAPACN President & CEO Tracey Moorhead joins When It Mattered Most author, Joanna M. Pineda, and APIC CEO Devin Jopp to reflect on key pandemic lessons and how they helped shape the world of associations today. 🎙️

Tracey shares how AAPACN has grown and evolved from expanding organizational memberships and strengthening industry partnerships to demonstrating the value AAPACN certification brings to post-acute care professionals and the facilities they serve.

Looking ahead, AAPACN remains committed to evolving alongside the changing needs of post-acute care and supporting those who deliver high-quality care every day. 💙

🎧 Listen to the conversation: https://ow.ly/pamn50ZVZrH

10/12/2026

Nothing feels as special as being acknowledged by your peers. Here’s your chance to celebrate your colleagues. Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 AAPACN Awards and Education Foundation Scholarships. Selected winners receive complimentary conference registration and will be honored at next April.

Nominate or apply today. https://ow.ly/jtbV50ZWqKl

10/09/2026

Celebrate your colleagues with an AAPACN Award or get help paying for school with an AAPACN Education Foundation Scholarship. Applications are open for the 2027 Awards and Education Foundation Scholarships. Selected winners receive complimentary conference registration and will be honored at in New Orleans next April.

Nominate or apply today! https://ow.ly/xA7z50ZTIlp