By Jessica Kunkler, MA When interviewing for a new position, don’t forget that an interview is a two-sided exchange. “Not only is the facility interviewing you to determine if you’re a good fit for them, but as the interviewee, you should also interview them to do the same,” says Alexis Roam, …
By Shahin Sanjar, PhD., Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Inhalation treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD is the predominant mode of therapy for the simple and logical reason that applying pharmacological agents to the target organ reduces the drug dose, maintains good efficacy, as well as reduces potential systemic adverse …
by Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA We are finally nearing the end of 2020. For most, the end offers up hope for a new year and new beginnings. When I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but think about the nursing home residents, staff, family …
By Julie Helling, BSN, RN, RAC-CT Everyone has been adversely affected by the events of this year, but none more so than the long-term care residents. We have seen a dramatic decline in resident cognition, increased agitation, and a rise in depression. Our residents are missing their families and friends. …
by Julia Merrill Historically, the majority of the nursing workforce has always been female. However, the number of male nurses is steadily increasing. Today, 11.4 percent of students in BSN programs identify as male – and great pay and a rewarding career are two of their motivations. With help from …
By Julie Helling, BSN, RN I have struggled with my faith on so many occasions. There have been more times than I can count when my beliefs have gone to war with my surroundings. As with so many healthcare workers, I have seen families, and residents, at their worst. A …
By Julie Helling, BSN, RN My life changed at age 14. I had no plans on becoming a nurse. In fact, I was entertaining the idea of becoming a music teacher. Then, my grandfather came to live with us when I was in the 8th grade. I didn’t know him …
By Carol Maher, RN-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, RAC-CT, CPC Healthcare professionals were relieved when CMS agreed to make the Interim Payment Assessment (IPA) optional instead of a requirement. This meant that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) could decide when or if they would complete these payment assessments. CMS anticipated that SNFs would …
By Jessica Kunkler, MA When the surveyors arrive at your facility, it can be tempting to reach for an imaginary red panic button, effectively putting you and your staff into high-stress mode. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, as the nurse manager, you have the power to …
By Jessica Kunkler, MA Staff turnover is everyone’s problem, and in facilities across the United States, it’s a big one. One in four nursing assistants and one in five home health aides report that they are actively looking for another job, according to the Recruitment and Retention Guide For Employers by …
