That pandemic. Wow. While it was happening and people were dying and stuff, I remember thinking, “This is kind of a difficult time we’re going through. I feel a little stressed and anxious.” But...
New COVID vaccine threats emerge as mandate ends
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 11, 2023
The end of the nationwide healthcare worker requirement came as good news to many who saw it as an obstacle to hiring. Yet experts warned that the federal change could lead to new and potentially costly...
Omicron remains lethal in the older and unvaccinated, former CDC chief warns
Mar 23, 2022
The next wave of COVID-19 is on its way and unvaccinated elders are at risk of being hit hard, according to former CDC director Tom Frieden, M.D. “If we learn quickly and act quickly, we can outmaneuver...
Unless union power takes a dip, best to bring your chips
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 21, 2021
As the divide between the haves and have-nots grows, unions seem well situated to rise in power.
The worst year ever?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 22, 2020
Was 2020 really “the worst year ever”? Let’s take a closer look. It might open your eyes.
Sleep like your life depends on it
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 01, 2021
One thing I’ve learned in my mostly unsuccessful lifelong quest to get enough sleep is that nothing helps more than feeling under pressure to do so. So learning in McKnight’s that extra sleep reduced...
Worries mount despite new lows for nursing home COVID-19 cases, deaths
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 31, 2021
COVID-19 cases in U.S. nursing homes have hit their lowest mark since federal officials began tracking last May, according to a new report issued by the American Health Care Association and National Center...
CMS opens visitation to nursing homes after year of isolation
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 11, 2021
“Facilities should allow responsible indoor visitation at all times” — no matter the vaccination status of resident or visitor, the agency now says. Its action follows the remarkable, apparent...
CMS test protocol misses too many asymptomatic workers: statewide COVID study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 04, 2020
If the goal is to identify all asymptomatic nursing home staff, comprehensive repeat testing may be needed regardless of COVID positivity rates in the community, investigators told McKnight’s.
Grateful? Make a list
By
Gary Tetz
Sep 02, 2021
While walking reluctantly into our place of long-term care employment yesterday, a colleague and I started talking sarcastically about how delighted we were to be alive and at work. We didn’t mean a...