Ask the nursing expert

I am not always sure about when I should contact my regional nurse supervisor to help make critical decisions in my facility. What would you recommend? I find that it is usually wise to meet with your corporate nurse to discuss situations that she or he would want to be aware of. Regarding when to report incidents to the state, there are written guidelines to follow. Calling your corporate nurse would serve as notification and review of your action plan. He or she may also suggest interventions.

Terminating an employee is usually negotiated between human resources and you, following HR guidelines. I have not heard of DONs notifying their corporate nurse of any terminations.

For consideration in your communication with your corporate nurse is also your experience as a DON and the amount of mentoring you might need. When you meet with your corporate nurse, it would be wise to have your administrator sit in, so that everyone has the same information.

I am seriously planning to implement a stronger restorative care program in my facility. Do you think this will be a tough sell with my management team?

Any management team that is strongly committed to quality care and quality of life for your residents will find a strong restorative philosophy, and hence a strong restorative program, a worthy adventure. The facility will take on a new “glow.”

To tell you the truth, your administrator should be the ultimate champion of the program and an important member of your core team.  A one-on-one meeting with your administrator explaining the benefits of a restorative care program is key. You may want to emphasize the “positive outcomes” and “family and resident satisfaction.”