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 …

5 Qualities of a Successful Nurse Assessment Coordinator

A nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) has many important qualities; however, there are a few that you should really keep in mind if you want to be successful in your job. 1.       Learner/adaptable – The long-term care nursing environment is always changing. New government regulations are updated and changed every year (the RAI User’s Manual, Quality …

Why Should I Become a Certified Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC)?

Nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) are required to understand the extensive and complex regulatory body surrounding the RAI/MDS process and regulations are always changing. Coding correctly and having keen assessment skills are also very important parts of a NAC’s job, which lead to the best care possible for residents and accurate Medicare …

5 Tips for Surviving Your RAC-CT Certification

Achieving your Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT®) certification is a tremendous accomplishment for a nurse assessment coordinator in long-term care; however, the road isn’t easy. It takes hours of studying, in-depth learning and critical thinking, and focus to complete the 10 courses and pass the exams. If you are considering embarking on your …

How to Help LTC Residents Overcome Loneliness During the Holiday Season

For staff, the holidays can be a busy time full of family gatherings and holiday celebrations, but for our residents, the holidays can be an especially lonely time. Our residents must adjust to so many different circumstances as they age — issues such as physical disability, loss of independence, social …

Skilled Nursing News Hosts First Annual Summit

AAPACN President and CEO, Tracey Moorhead, attended Skilled Nursing News’ (SNN’s) inaugural, half-day Summit in Chicago on June 6. The event attracted more than 250 skilled nursing leaders representing providers, investors, technology innovators, and business solutions. Panels addressed Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) preparedness, merger and acquisition activity, and Skilled Nursing …