McKnight's Long Term Care News

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 new hires. Any suggestions on how to improve retention?

Ask the nursing expert ... about dealing with workplace 'sabotage'

By Anne Marie Barnett April 01, 2013

My ADON, although smiling and seemingly cooperative, talks about me behind my back and is very critical of my leadership. It's creating an atmosphere of tension and conflict. Do you have any new reference tools to address this issue?

Ask the nursing expert ... about restorative dining

By Anne Marie Barnett February 01, 2013

I am a director of nursing in a 130-bed facility with three nursing units and we would like to start a restorative dining program. Could you make some suggestions?

Ask the nursing expert: How do I reduce turnover in my new facility?

By Anne Marie Barnett December 01, 2012

I just took a position as director of nursing in a large facility with a high turnover of staff in the nursing department. Where would you suggest that I start in renovating my new nursing department?

Ask the nursing expert: How can I get new nurses to focus on performance instead of pay?

By Anne Marie Barnett November 01, 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.

How should I handle a young, salary-obsessed nurse?

By Anne Marie Barnett October 01, 2012

Start by reviewing her resume, if you haven't already, to get a better idea of her career background. This will probably take more than one discussion.

Ask the nursing expert: What's the best way for SNFs to reduce readmissions?

August 01, 2012

Start by bringing your community leaders together as an advisory board to discuss collaboration to improve quality of care in the community.

Ask the Nursing Expert: How can we integrate hospice services into our plan of care?

By Anne Marie Barnett July 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 June 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 tips or instruction on this. It's nice to have someone "in person" while doing one.

How are SNFs handling residents who use e-cigarettes?

By Sherrie Dornberger May 01, 2012

In speaking with a dozen or more facilities, the e-cigarette seems to be handled in an individual facility- or corporate-wide policy. Many facilities are not allowing it at all; others allow it after the resident is deemed by the doctor or advanced practice nurse to be safe at handling the device.

Ask the nursing expert: How can I keep key nursing staff in the face of cutbacks?

By Anne Marie Barnett April 02, 2012

In this era of ever-increasing clinical needs and critical thinking with our medically complex patients, continuing education is desperately needed.

Ask the nursing expert: Are audit tools useful for organization purposes?

By Anne Marie Barnett March 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 basis.

Ask the nursing expert: What can I do to support professional growth?

By Anne Marie Barnett February 01, 2012

Focus on commitment and ensuring a culture of support. I find that sharing your commitment to providing the best care in an atmosphere of continuous quality improvement and ongoing demonstration of your commitment when making rounds on your nursing units provide a firm foundation.