Written by Ashley Kaminski Petkis, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC; Alyssa Widen, MSN, BSN, RN Staffing challenges remain pervasive across the healthcare continuum, with particular severity in the post-acute care setting. Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities are facing high turnover, specifically with direct-care staff such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered …
Providing quality care begins with selecting the right people to join the home health agency team. Unlike many healthcare settings, home health professionals work in patients’ homes, often independently, serving as the face and voice of the organization. Their competence, reliability, and compassion directly shape patient experiences, regulatory compliance, and …
The interview is a significant part of the hiring process and the director of nursing services (DNS) should ensure the candidate has the characteristics and talents necessary to be successful in the job. Use AAPACN’s Interview Template to keenly observe the candidate’s facial expressions and body language and to capture observations …
When caring for patients suffering from a stroke, staff often focus on physical issues, yet post-stroke patients often have emotional or behavioral changes as well. It is important for staff of home health agencies to understand how a stroke can affect patients’ psychosocial well-being. By recognizing the multi-faceted impacts of …
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in adults in the United States. Therefore, it is a common problem seen among patients receiving home care. Patients who have had a stroke typically have some weakness and difficulty caring for themselves. Use the Caring for Patients Who Have Had …
Written by Ashley Kaminski, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC and Holly Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN Care transitions remain one of the most persistent challenges in our healthcare system. Whether it’s moving from the hospital to home care, from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), or from a SNF to home …
Hand hygiene is the most important weapon in preventing the spread of disease. Germs can spread between people or surfaces when they are touched by someone who then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Use this Hand Hygiene Competency Tool to ensure staff are washing their hands …
Danielle Pierotti, PhD, RN The high-profile murders of Joyce Grayson, LPN, in Connecticut, and Douglass Brandt, RN, in Washington shook us all. However, once the shock wore off, we were tempted to excuse it, believing these extreme incidences are so rare that they do not pose a risk. There are …
The nurse leader plays an integral role in the disciplinary process in a home health agency. Managing employee performance can be challenging, but it is necessary. Failure to address employees’ negative behaviors and actions can destroy morale among the staff. Knowing when and how to discipline is key. However, the …
The staffing crisis is an ongoing dilemma for home care. To combat its effects, nurse leaders in home health agencies may be asked to find creative solutions. These professionals often focus on the lack of potential candidates and the difficulties related to hiring. But staff turnover is a large part …
