In long-term and post-acute care, communication is everything. Most days, conversations with residents, families, and staff flow smoothly. But every so often, a chat takes a sharp turn, voices rise, tempers flare, or emotions spill over. These moments can be stressful, yet they are also an opportunity to build trust …
Hospital readmissions remain one of the most persistent challenges for long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) facilities. National data shows that roughly 13% to 14% of all hospitalized patients are readmitted within 30 days (Burke et al., 2022). But the rate among nursing home residents can climb significantly to 20% to 25% …
The Action Plan: Preventing Hospital Readmissions tool helps the director of nursing services (DNS) and interdisciplinary team (IDT) identify priority areas, set measurable goals, and assign accountability for reducing hospital readmissions. This fillable PDF worksheet transforms evidence-based strategies into practical next steps, empowering teams to track progress, strengthen communication, and …
F656, Comprehensive Care Plans, is one of the most commonly cited F-tags during survey in nursing homes; however, with intentional processes in place, these citations are largely preventable. A proactive approach to care planning ensures that each resident’s plan is accurate, up to date, and reflective of their individual needs …
Long-term care nurses who follow the path of becoming nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) can advance their careers and skill levels through experience and gained knowledge over time. At every stage of professional development, NACs can take steps to boost their knowledge and access AAPACN resources for success. Part three of …
An assessor does not need perfect eyesight to see that vision plays a significant role in the quality of life of residents in long-term care. Accurately evaluating vision, and how it is coded at B1000, helps all staff understand how visual impairments may impact the resident’s daily life, mood, and …
Are you considering advancing your career and looking to gain knowledge to be successful in your next role? Or are you already in the position you love but looking to improve your knowledge for additional success? The Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and Resources outlines AAPACN’s education programs and additional …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries while significantly reducing unnecessary spending and promoting payment accuracy. The calendar year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule advances primary care management through improved quality measures, reduces waste and unnecessary use of skin substitutes, and …
Written by Brenda Schumacher, Staff Writer, AAPACN When a resident discharges before the Admission assessment is complete, nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) must make decisions that directly affect compliance, survey readiness, and resident care planning. Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, explains that the first …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss recent changes to section GG in the RAI User’s Manual.
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