DataPoint: Staff Turnover

Based on Residential Health Care Facility (RHCF) Cost Report data analyzed by LeadingAge NY, median nursing home staff turnover for all nursing positions was 32.1 percent in 2018, down from 34.9 percent in 2017. Lower staff turnover, in this context, implies a more consistent workforce and is preferable. The Central New York region had the most frequent staff turnover, including a median Nursing Aide turnover of over 63 percent. In contrast, median Nursing Aide turnover was only 10.5 percent in the New York City region. Total staffing turnover, which includes nursing, therapy, and social workers, was comparable among voluntary and proprietary homes (32.7 percent and 31.1 percent, respectively). The median turnover rate for Nursing Aides decreased by 11.1 percent in the Northeastern New York region from 2017 to 2018, representing the largest regional turnover improvement statewide. The largest change in the total nursing turnover rate occurred in the Buffalo region, which saw a decrease of 4.6 percent from 2017 to 2018. Voluntary homes saw overall turnover increase by 0.4 percent.

The figures used to calculate nursing home staff turnover rates were based on data reported on Schedule P of the 2018 RHCF Cost Report. The turnover rate was calculated by dividing the number of reported terminations by the average number of staff members.

To view the 2018 LeadingAge NY Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Nursing Staff Retention and Turnover worksheet, which can be downloaded on the LeadingAge NY Data page, click here.

Contact: Ken Allison, kallison@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8820