Saying the current permanent visa programs for immigrants are "insufficient and inadequate" to meet long-term care staffing needs, the American Health Care Association outlined its vision of immigration reform Wednesday.
Caregivers working with seniors who have dementia benefit from foot massages administered during their shifts, suggests new research.
February 13, 2013
Not too long ago, the mortar and pestle were the mechanism of choice to crush pills. Today, the average facility has to crush pills for around 30% of its residents. Now there is an easier way to crush medications.
February 07, 2013
Consistent assignments for CNAs are discussed and implemented more frequently than they used to be. For the most part, research studies speak to the positive attributes of this model of care. From improved surveys to reduced staff turnover, it's hard to ignore the wave of empirical support.
Vaccinations from nurses drove a significant increase in at-risk adults and older people who received flu or pneumonia shots, according to a new study.
The overall retention rate for all assisted living employees was 73% in 2011, a new survey from a provider group finds.
While influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers have increased overall, fewer long-term care facility employees are being vaccinated, a government survey has found.
September 24, 2012
Did you hear the one about the seasoned detective who finds a body in a field? Surrounded by young detectives, he immediately announces, "She was a nurse and worked in long term care!" Stunned, the newbie detectives ask, "How on earth can you tell that?" "Easy," he says.
September 04, 2012
Longtime nurse managers or directors are the biggest barriers to implementing new evidence-based care practices, a survey finds.
August 28, 2012
With healthcare transformation continuing to unfold across America, patients and their families will soon be expected to become even more involved in their care decisions. They will need to 'partner' with nurses and other health professionals to navigate the healthcare system and ensure that they get the care they need, when they need it.
August 17, 2012
Looking for a cure for compassion fatigue? Try reminding your caregivers of the obvious — that their job is all about giving. Trust me, there is some science to this.
August 14, 2012
When I embarked upon the working world, it was no surprise to discover that a fair amount of newspaper reporters smoked like chimneys. It was, however, a shock to later work on the grounds of a hospital campus and see laudable healthcare professionals — people who were saving lives! — light up.
August 02, 2012
Even if I hadn't been raised by a nurse, and even if I didn't write about the basic functions of their jobs on a daily basis for McKnight's, I would probably still idolize them. That much was clear to me recently when I had the rare opportunity to witness, quite possibly, the best and worst parts of a nurse's job.
Shift workers, especially those working overnight, are at a higher risk for having a stroke or heart attack, an analysis finds.
March 07, 2012
While the recession led to the perception of fewer jobs for new registered nurses, it also led to increased loyalty to employers, a new study reveals.
New York lawmakers are debating a bill that would require all new nurses to get a bachelor's degree within 10 years of earning their two-year associate's degree.
Roughly 80% of nurses continue to work through neck, back and shoulder pain acquired on the job, according to a survey.
Nurses continue to dominate in people's perceptions of the most trustworthy profession, according to a recent Gallup poll.
December 13, 2011
As I was thinking about packing for a recent convention — and those who know me know a lot went into wondering about how many pairs of shoes I could get into my suitcase — I started thinking about the healthcare conventions I go to. Specifically, I reflected on just how different the Q&A sessions are.
Nursing home recruiters worried about the prospect of a nursing shortage can take some comfort: The number of registered nurses aged 23 to 26 increased 62% between 2002 and 2009, according to researchers.
November 22, 2011
A new study on coffee drinking habits and results should give nurses plenty of reasons to smile. I can back up the results personally.
November 10, 2011
Nurses have numerous reasons to be pleased the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated accountable care organization guidelines, several nursing organizations maintain.
Nurses should not be afraid to embrace social media for fear of violating patient privacy — rather, they should follow professional standards, according to new guidelines released by the American Nurses Association.
A majority of nurses are satisfied with their job security and finances, but worry about their retirement plans, according to a new survey.
September 12, 2011
Last Thursday, the president spoke on the American Jobs Act. I was very surprised he didn't mention that geriatric care is THE way to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
August 11, 2011
We've been talking for a while about transitioning of our residents to and from the facility and some of the problems associated with it. But let's talk now about just one huge problem, that big elephant in the room: medication reconciliation. This stuff is scary.
September 03, 2010
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists has come out strongly in favor of allowing nursing home nurses to act on behalf of physicians when it comes to prescribing pain medications. ASCP officials on Thursday released their recommendations for changes to current Drug Enforcement Agency policy concerning controlled substances in nursing homes.
State Sen. Patricia Miller (R) plans to introduce legislation mandating nurse background checks. The move is in response to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels's (R) decision not to pursue federal matching grants for nurse background checks in nursing homes.
September 04, 2009
The Department of Health and Human Services over the years has kept hidden from nursing homes and hospitals a database of nurses and other healthcare workers who have been disciplined by state licensing boards, according to a radio news outlet.
August 13, 2009
The Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday said it is has released $13.4 million in stimulus funding to help boost the nursing workforce in the United States.
