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.
U.S. adult vaccination rates lag: study
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Despite strong federal and regulatory support for mandatory vaccinations among healthcare workers — including nursing home employees — the U.S. adult vaccination rate is on the low side, according...
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: Recession improved staff turnover
By
Mary Gustafson
Apr 02, 2012
Newly licensed registered nurses perceived fewer jobs available during the recession. They also reported greater loyalty to their employers, results of a new study reveal.
Side-effects deter use of antidepressants
By
Mary Gustafson
Feb 01, 2011
Many American seniors begin taking antidepressants while on medications with contraindications, according to a new study. Because of side effects, many then stop taking the antidepressants.
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.
Preventive post-stroke care proves critical for recovery
By
Mary Gustafson
Feb 01, 2011
Within a year of suffering an acute ischemic stroke, two-thirds of Medicare patients discharged from the hospital either died or were rehospitalized, residents recently discovered. Full findings appear...
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.
Taking the ‘blues’ out of ‘bluegrass’
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 01, 2012
Bluegrass fans are well-versed in the music’s invigorating effects. Now, residents at a Silver Spring, MD-continuing care retirement community have ample opportunity to both play and listen.
A Day in the life: A song in his heart
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 01, 2011
Before Jim Alexander entered the dementia unit at Syverson Lutheran Home in Eau Claire, WI, he was a beloved geography professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It didn’t take long for...