Who we are
Since 1986, we have been THE leading advocate and educational organization for DONs, ADONs and RNs in Long Term Care (LTC). NADONA/LTC was founded by dedicated LTC professionals, and our board of trustees still consists of LTC professionals. We understand your daily challenges, and are here to provide you with the tools you need for professional success.
How we began A brief history of NADONA/LTC.
Since 1986, NADONA/LTC has reached many milestones as an organization. Our continued growth is due to our members and their ongoing support and input. Your challenges are our challenges, and we respond daily by creating new resources, tools and programs that support your professional growth and development.
| 1986 |
NADONA/LTC founded in St. Louis, MO with 40 original members from 13 states. |
| 1986 |
NADONA/LTC establishes ongoing presence on Capitol Hill, giving legislators the “real story”. |
| 1987 |
Nationally-recognized NADONA/LTC Certification Exam is created – by DONs, for DONs. Added Credibility and professional esteem are enjoyed by more than 5000 members in 2004. |
| 1987 |
First national conference held in Orlando, FL. |
| 1988 |
Toll-free Reference & Research Library for Directors of Nursing is complete. It’s your own personal research assistant at your fingertips. |
| 1989 |
First DON of the Year awarded at annual conference. We recognize the best in our profession annually. |
| 1990 |
Membership reaches 1000 members in 25 states |
| 1991 |
NADONA/LTC’s first scholarship is awarded at annual conference. More than $15K is given annually to our members. |
| 1993 |
Debut of The Director Journal. The first professional journal published exclusively for DONs in LTC. |
| 1996 |
Debut of Standards of Practice For Directors of Nursing. The first publication of its kind for DONs in LTC. |
| 1997 |
www.nadona.org is launched Academy of Fellows established. Fellows oversee and review certification exam and process. |
| 1999 |
Mentor for Members hotline launched. Dial 1.800.374.9554 and receive professional advice and insight from a LTC veteran. |
| 2000 |
Circle of Excellence established. NADONA/LTC’s first National recognition program for deficiency-free facilities. This comprehensive online resource for members has tripled in content since its launch. |
| 2001 |
NADONA/LTC moves into new offices. |
| 2002 |
OSHA partners with NADONA/LTC in national program launch. |
| 2003 |
Top 5 nursing home corporations bring their DONs to NADONA/LTC. |
| 2003 |
Membership reaches 5500, representing 30 states and Canada. |
| 2003 |
Launch of online certification program NADONA/LTC Online University is founded. |
| 2007 |
Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes is a two year, coalition-based campaign concerned with how we care for elderly and disabled citizens. NADONA/LTC was part of the steering committee for a broad range of stakeholders in quality long-term care that provide ongoing strategy development, guidance and in-kind support for the campaign. |
| TODAY |
And in the future. Members can now access numerous professional educational offerings 24/7/365, with three certification programs available |
