Ask the nursing expert … about preparing for survey visits
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jul 01, 2013
Q: There’s an upcoming survey visit in my facility. Any suggestions on how to calm the atmosphere?
A: The director of nursing sets the tone for the nursing department. Be even more present on your...
Ask the nursing expert … about hands-on patient assessments
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jun 01, 2013
I feel that much is missed when hands-on assessments are missed at the beginning of each nurse’s shift. What do you think? I strongly feel that patient assessments for baseline information at the...
Ask the nursing expert … about improving turnover rates
By
Anne Marie Barnett
May 01, 2013
I have been in my director of nursing position at my new job for about three months now and I find that our turnover rate is outrageous. I interview and hire but after orientation, it is hard to keep our...
Ask the nursing expert… How to get staff to work during bad weather, and how to deal with tardy...
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jan 02, 2013
We have just had a run of very bad weather and, as usual, I had several nursing staff call off work. Department heads are never encouraged to come in and help us out. Do you have any suggestions on how...
Ask the nursing expert: How can I get new nurses to focus on performance instead of pay?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Nov 02, 2012
I am a seasoned director of nursing, but I’m currently having problems with newer nurses focusing on their hourly pay rate vs. the quality of their nursing practice.
Ask the Nursing Expert: How can we integrate hospice services into our plan of care?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jul 06, 2012
Hospice services can be a wonderful addition to the care we are providing. Their pain management skills are incredible
Ask the nursing expert: How can I learn to write a Plan of Correction?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jun 05, 2012
I learned how to write the Plan of Correction from a more seasoned director of nursing colleague of mine. Odds are there is somebody you know or look up to in the profession who might be able to give you...
Ask the nursing expert: Are audit tools useful for organization purposes?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Mar 01, 2012
Yes, I sure do! Meet with your leadership team to decide which areas you feel that you need to routinely track. Develop your audit tools based on regulation guidelines and have them updated on a monthly...
Ask the nursing expert: Is goal-setting realistic for nursing departments?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Jan 03, 2012
Anne Marie Barnett, RN, President, Maryland NADONA/LTC
Ask the nursing expert: How can DONs do it all?
By
Anne Marie Barnett
Oct 01, 2011
Anne Marie Barnett, RN, President, Maryland NADONA/LTC