Evidence suggests that depression is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality and negatively influences quality of life and social functioning (Katona, 1994). Some of these patients don't move much, and with depression added to this premise, the transition from what these patients were used to to a completely new environment is usually traumatic. Nurse practitioners can alleviate the trauma felt by these newcomers by conducting assessments to determine whether these individuals are suffering from depression, so that this illness can be remedied as soon as possible. Depression affects approximately 5% of the population at one time, with depressive symptoms more common in people over the age of 65, with prevalence estimates ranging between 10 and 15% (Baldwin, 1995). Depression in nursing homes has been recognized as a particularly problematic condition Ames, (1994). Depression is not a normal consequence of aging and is known to be underrecognized and undertreated, especially in hospitals, outpatient settings and nursing homes. (Patry, 2004). Context of the Problem Older people entering long-term care facilities face significant adjustment challenges and are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems (Murphy, 1982; Mikhail, 1992; Manion & Rantz, 1995). New residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to depression, and early recognition and treatment of depression are therefore crucial upon admission to a home. (Bagley et al., 2000). By the fourteenth day of their nursing home stay, thirty-eight percent of admitted residents sampled in a study conducted by Boyle et al. (2004) were positive for depressive symptoms. Depression is therefore still a very significant problem among those in a nursing home. (Boyle, 2004). In contrast, the authors said recognition of depression in nursing homes has improved. Michigan's Quality Improvement Organization (MPRO) conducted a study of 14 nursing facilities to improve the accuracy of care assessments, goals and monitoring. Sixty-nine percent of participants were women, 46% were aged 76 to 85, and 37% were aged 86 or older. Among men, 24% were 75 years old or younger, 51% were 76-85 years old, and 25% were 86 years old or older. It was found that of 818 residents, 313 (38%) had depressive symptoms by day 14. Of the 313, 213 (68%) were admitted with a diagnosis of depression. (Boyle et al., 2004). Nursing homes in this study use the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to assess symptoms of depression; however, its use is highly selective. (Boyle et al., 2004). The authors said that further research would be useful in developing strategies to ensure continuity of care for people in all treatment settings.