When a resident suffers a cardiac arrest in the facility, do nurses know how to initiate a code? If a resident elopes, do facility staff know what to do? When emergency events happen, such as a cardiac arrest or an elopement, it is imperative that staff know how to respond …
Since the public health emergency began, both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and directors of nursing services (DNSs) have been focused on infection control and prevention—and rightfully so. Yet while crisis-oriented actions were the top priorities, other important clinical areas may have been deferred or set aside. …
The safety of residents is a top priority for a skilled nursing facility (SNF). But how does one promote safety in such a dynamic environment? Three critical steps the director of nursing services (DNS) and other facility leaders can take are: cultivate trust and transparency with staff, residents, and families; …
Author: Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-CT, QCP Question: Can a CNA cut, trim, or even color a resident’s hair? This question has come up as we are into the pandemic and our beautician has not been available. Answer: Many of our residents have gone an extensive period without beautician …
It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since the first nursing home resident contracted the novel coronavirus. Our way of living changed drastically, especially in long-term care. In-person visitation ended, and residents were limited to seeing loved ones virtually or through a window—if they could at all. …
A vaccination for COVID-19 has been at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts since the pandemic started, and one is anticipated to come to fruition in the coming weeks. At the time of this publication, both Moderna and Pfizer have requested Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for their vaccines from the Food …
Once again, the holiday season is upon us. However, due to the pandemic, the way people celebrate will be different this year. Holiday traditions that normally call for large gatherings of people—such as family dinners, religious ceremonies, and company holiday parties—will be planned keeping in mind the Centers for Disease …
A surveyor approaches the DNS and shares that the team is investigating an acquired pressure injury and preliminary findings suggest the facility has not met the requirements for F684, Quality Care. Unless the director of nursing services (DNS) can produce evidence that contradicts their current assessment of the acquired pressure …
So far, 2020 has been a very trying year, to say the least. COVID-19 caught long-term care teams unaware and has not only affected staff physically, but emotionally as well. Illness and loss of life among both residents and employees, combined with lack of supplies, testing, staffing, and the fear …
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is currently a topic of discussion on a global level. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought infection control procedures and the use of PPE under intense scrutiny, especially in long-term care. On a daily basis, we hear about the shortcomings of PPE supply and use, along with …
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