A survey of 80 nursing homes across Rhode Island revealed 1,920 positions are currently open, Providence-based NBC 10 reported Nov. 18.
Twenty-eight facilities have shut down rooms or units in recent months while another 23 have stopped taking in new residents as a result of the staff shortages.
Officials are concerned the shortages will worsen once the state's Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Care Act takes effect Jan. 1. The act will require facilities to provide 3.58 hours of direct nursing care per day to each resident and 2.44 hours of patient care per day for certified nursing assistants or pay a penalty.
Current vacant positions:
- Nursing managers: 54
- Nursing positions: 447
- CNA positions: 983
- Dietary positions: 254
- Housekeeping/ Laundry positions: 123
- "Other" positions: 59