Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC

Yes, July 4th is right around the corner. Time to think of backyard barbecues, fireworks, blockbuster movies and … §483.25 — Quality of Care.

Y’know, §483.25: “Each resident must receive and the facility must provide the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.”

Wait, what? Has Nurse Jackie lost her mind (again)? Not really. Let me explain. Sometimes, in our desire to “help” our residents, or when we are just trying to get everything done, we do things for our residents that they could do for themselves. In other words, we take away their independence to accomplish things on their own like grooming or dressing, which might not allow them to meet the intent of §483.25. 

As a nurse leader and educator, I like to use “events” to tie into “learning opportunities.” So this year, as we celebrate our independence as a nation, maybe we can also use this time to remind your awesome staff that while doing “for” our residents may save time and seem like it is helping, it could also be robbing them of their independence.

Let our residents do what they can for themselves — no matter how long it takes. And celebrate those moments!

Just keeping it real,

Nurse Jackie

The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, a 2012 APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. She has not starred in her own national television series — yet. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.