Building a professional environment in long-term care. The role of clinical career development.

ABSTRACT

1. To be successful, an organizational career development program must include a differentiation of the responsibilities for which the various parties (employer, employee, career counselor) will be held accountable. 2. Project outcomes revealed that the career mobility program was attractive to nursing personnel and facility management personnel alike. However, it was more attractive to nonlicensed than licensed personnel. 3. Of the staff who participated and were promoted, the majority remained in their jobs. The program was most successful in enhancing retention with personnel who received within-level promotions. 4. The process of career development requires collaboration and support from all levels of leadership and staff throughout the organization. A career development program, including a career mobility program with a strong career counseling component, can serve as a catalyst in professionalizing the long-term care work environment.