The Florida Health Care Association surveyed nearly 140 nursing centers and found that over the last three years, providers increased wages by almost 25% for CNAs, over 20% for LPNs, and almost 18% for RNs. Despite this, 95% of nursing centers find it challenging to recruit and retain staff and almost all centers reported vacancies for CNAs or direct caregivers, LPNs, and RNs. Competition with other health care providers such as hospitals, the ability to offer competitive pay, and a lack of qualified candidates are the top reasons it is difficult to recruit in long-term care.

To meet residents’ care needs, over 90% of nursing centers are asking staff to work overtime or take on extra shifts, while almost 45% continue to rely on temporary agency staff. This can lead to staff burnout, increased turnover and have a negative impact on morale and consistency of care. Without increased funding and stable rate predictability from year to year, Florida’s nursing centers will continue to lag behind and lack the ability to attract much-needed caregivers to ensure Florida’s most vulnerable residents have the quality long term care they need and deserve.