When a skilled nursing facility more than doubles in size — but adds only 20 beds — and switches to a brand new model of care, one could reasonably expect some growing pains.
A failure to communicate
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 21, 2012
Basic communication is often overlooked for nursing home managers. Promoting leadership among team members and empowering staff is effective in building teamwork.
Age difference can determine nursing home admission risks
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 06, 2012
Age difference is likely the reason for women being more apt than men to become nursing home residents, new research indicates.
Disaster plans filled with holes, feds say
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 05, 2012
While most U.S. nursing homes have adequate written plans for managing natural disasters, many have significant gaps in preparedness and response, a government report finds.
Study: Quality measures are needed for end-of-life care
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 05, 2012
As the number of people who choose nursing homes for end-of-life care continues to rise, more quality measures are needed to help consumers judge performance, a new study recommends.
Commencement speech season heats up
By
Mary Gustafson
May 24, 2012
Since I am sucker for celebrity commencement addresses, mid- to late-May is like my own, personal Christmas.
Operation Hire a Veteran
By
Mary Gustafson
May 01, 2012
Hiring veterans to work in long-term care facilities is a no-brainer for nursing home administrator Steve Pazulski — a Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran himself.
Study: More RN-LPN coordination needed
By
Mary Gustafson
May 01, 2012
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses often have interchangeable responsibilities in nursing homes, which can lead to more medication errors, according to newly announced results of a study.
Uniform colors seen as way to discern wristbands’ intent
By
Mary Gustafson
May 01, 2012
Healthcare systems should adopt more uniform color-coding of patient wristbands or implement barcode systems to reduce potential for errors across inpatient settings, nursing experts say.
Help a Sister out: In defense of U.S. nuns
By
Mary Gustafson
Apr 26, 2012
I’ve been in awe of Catholic nuns from a very young age. As my family likes to remind me, I even wanted to be one. As I’ve gotten older, my awe has turned into respect and affection.