Q&A: Is overseeing the Therapy department within the scope of the DNS position?

Question: I am a relatively new DNS and my job description includes overseeing the Therapy Department. Is this within my scope? Answer: In most SNFs, the therapy department usually has its own director/manager, with ultimate oversight by the administrator. But in smaller facilities, such as yours, sometimes those oversight roles are shared. …

Nurse Assessment: Acute Changes in Condition – Nursing In-service Education

Participants will learn to describe normal age-related changes, differentiate chronic versus acute conditions, recognize symptoms and changes in vital signs, physical function, and body condition that could indicate acute conditions, and apply the assessment phase of the nursing process as it relates to managing an acute change in condition. Download …

Death and Dying Education Bundle for Nurses – Nursing In-service Education

Participants will learn to recognize symptoms of imminent death and select appropriate nursing interventions that meet the physiological needs of a resident who is dying. Download now. For permission to use or reproduce this tool in full or in part, please complete a permissions form. 

Combatting Failure to Thrive in Adults – Nursing Assistant In-service Education

Participants will learn to understand what failure to thrive is, recognize signs of failure to thrive, and apply knowledge to combat failure to thrive. Download now. For permission to use or reproduce this tool in full or in part, please complete a permissions form. 

Investigation Checklist Tool

Investigations are a necessary component of a facility’s operations. They aid the nurse leader by establishing the facts of the situation, identifying opportunities to improve care and services, and mitigating further safety, legal, and compliance risks. Topics that warrant an investigation include allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or …

3 Tools for the New Director of Nursing’s Toolbox – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog series, I talked about how your team communicates with you and how you can set expectations for that communication. In this post, I am going to touch on how you can deal with uncompassionate and abusive employees. Addressing Adverse Staff Within my first few months …

3 Tools for the New Director of Nursing’s Toolbox – Part 3

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog series, I covered how setting expectations regarding communication and behavior can save you some big headaches over time. Now, let’s discuss the final tool you’ll need to have as a new director of nursing. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Success as a DON depends on …