Move To Improve Residents' Quality of Life a Welcome Development

As growing numbers of Americans age and need extended care, long-term care organizations have sought to better meet both the healthcare and social needs of their residents. Those who reach the point in life where nursing home care is necessary do not want to live in an environment that feels like a hospital instead of a home.

Over the past several years, alternatives to institutional environments such as the Green House Project, the Pioneer Network and the Eden Alternative have all aimed to encourage genuine homes for the disabled elderly. And, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' recent call for a culture change in nursing homes, the focus on resident-centered care places a priority on residents' rights.

CMS' new rules will encourage long-term care organizations to improve the quality of residents' lives by moving away from the institutional environment. For example, a resident's preferences for a daily schedule should be respected. Also, institutional overhead paging systems, alarms and large nursing stations, and meals served on institutional trays, should be eliminated..

Read more here:  http://www.mcknights.com/move-to-improve-residents-quality-of-life-a-welcome-development/article/141159/

Will music improve MDS 3.0 scores?

Neuroscience research during the past 10 years has made great strides in documenting the relationship between music and the brain. The New York Academy of Sciences Music, Science and Medicine conference recently brought together leading researchers to share what we now know about music and its impact on Alzheimer's disease, pain, Parkinson's, coma and autism.

Optimally, every long-term care facility would benefit from the expertise of a music therapist. Short of that level of expertise, long-term care facilities have an inexpensive tool that can have a positive impact on resident quality of life, which, in turn, should be reflected in an important subset of MDS 3.0 scores.

Using iPods to reconnect residents with their favorite music is a simple intervention with great upside potential and no side effects. According to the New York State Department of Health, individualized music reduces dementia-related agitation by up to 80%. Feedback from hundreds of residents (and staff) is that behavior and mood improves, and residents are more cooperative, attentive and engaged.

Why this works for long-term care:

It breaks through the group activities hurdle

Just think about the top five ways we like to spend our own free time. How many of those are group activities? The answer is typically very few. We tend to think nothing of our anytime access to music. Yet we provide all manner of group activities while we look for ways to be more person-centered. Little is more personally meaningful than our own music.

Read more here:   http://www.mcknights.com/will-music-improve-mds-30-scores/article/205919/

My Twinkling Star

As the social services and activity director in a 92-bed skilled nursing facility, I am fortunate to share in a precious season of residents' lives. For most of them, this is the final "home" that they will have this side of heaven. It is our motto that they don't come here to die but to live.

As social service / activity staff, we have the opportunity to catch a unique glimpse of the individual because we assess their likes, preferences and learn about their backgrounds. We are entrusted with them. The residents share their histories and life lessons with us — if we are quiet enough to listen and observe.

Read more here:   http://www.mcknights.com/my-twinkling-star/article/208031/

A Little Humor

AARP Finds Toll On Family Caregivers Is 'Huge'

A new study by the AARP estimates that for the more than 40 million Americans caring for an elderly or disabled loved one, the value of their work is $450 billion a year.

That's a good deal for society. But for the family members doing the work, the study finds they need a lot more help.

Take Cymando Henley, 36, whose mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was starting college. She now must use a wheelchair, and Henley has been taking care of her for nearly two decades.

Henley does have help. Montgomery County, Maryland, where they live, and the MS Society pay for a combined 35 hours of home health aides each week — though that's threatened by budget cuts.

But every day, Henley must help his mom in and out of bed and onto the toilet. He even rolls her over in the middle of the night if she becomes uncomfortable.

Read the rest...

Ten Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

Nurses make up the largest number of healthcare professions -- there are over 2.6 million registered nurses in the US. Here are the ten nursing specialties that earn the highest pay.

Read More Here...

Post Job Interview Strategy

Ever feel awkward about leaving your job interview and what to do next?  Here's some good advice on how to leave your prospective employer with a good impression.

The way in which you follow up after a job interview can be as important to your job search success as the interview itself. After a job interview, it is critical that you make it known to your potential employer that you are enthusiastic about the job for which you interviewed and the company itself.

Leaving the Interview

Before you exit your interview, ask the interviewer what the typical protocol is for hiring--ask what the next steps are in the hiring process and when you might expect to hear from them. Also be sure to get a business card from every person you meet during the course of the interview process. You will need this contact information later on to complete your follow-up.
Thank You Note--Timing

Write a thank you note as soon as you can after your interview. Both email and regular mail are acceptable. If you choose to send an email, wait at least an hour or two before you send it--sending an email too soon after an interview (10 minutes later from your phone, for example) can make you appear somewhat desperate and your thanks will not come across as being completely genuine....Read more: Post Job Interview Strategy

Health Unit Coordinator Responsibilities and Duties

Creating a resume to apply for your Health Unit Coordinator position can be a little tricky.  One of the important parts of the resume is listing what you can or have done as a Health Unit Coordinator.  

Get to know about the Roles, Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities of Health Unit Coordinator. Below is a generic list of the HUC's Responsibilities and Duties that you might consider listing on your resume.

• Transcribe and communicate health physician orders on time.
• Manage unit communication to promptly answer telephones and activating paging system and unit mail.
• Document and manage medical records as per policy.
• Support physicians by transcribing orders and managing patient charts.
• Incorporate vision, values, missions and critical goals into job performance.
• Manage Hospital standards by engaging in health committees and in-services.
• Precept new associates as assigned by department manager.
• Prioritize work and manage multiple emergent demands by working independently.
• Tabulate data log sheets, receive payment, make receipt and follow billing procedures.
• Prioritize and transcribe written doctor’s order under RN supervision.
• Manage patient medical records as per hospital and unit policy.
• Develop and achieve unit goals on health, safety, cost and quality. 
• Attain customer service excellence by satisfying customer needs.
• Transcribe health physician order under RN’s directions.
• Handle patient activities on and off nursing unit such facility transfers. 

See more about Great Resumes - Click Here

Interview with an Health Unit Coordinator

Information regarding certification with NAHUC

More information about certification

Take an online HUC class to prep you for the HUC Exam!

Working Women's Wardrobe Guide

Understanding the rules and etiquette that applies to business attire can be the difference between success in a job interview or job placement and failure. Women's business attire should be understated, good quality, body-appropriate and comfortable. Tight-fitting, translucent, bright and worn-looking clothes are not acceptable business attire and will translate badly in a business environment.

Suits for all Seasons

Suits are the staple of proper business attire. The Pasadena Independent School District business etiquette website states that for women, wool suits are the best choice in winter, fall and spring. Summer suits can be made from cotton or linen. Proper fitting is essential for business attire, so suits should be professionally fitted, if possible--this will give the most professional look to business attire and will also provide optimum comfort. Avoid tight suits, bright colors and bold patterns that may be too distracting--black, gray, navy, taupe, dark green and burgundy are colors that work in a business environment. Pinstripe and, to a lesser degree, houndstooth patterns are acceptable.

Read more: Working Women's Wardrobe Guide | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6331441_women_s-business-attire_-rules-etiquette.html#ixzz1QgP7L6pa

What Is A Social Service Designee?

The Social Service Designee usually works in a Long Term Care environment. They work under a Social Worker. Social Service Designees are the voice of the resident when the resident has lost the capacity to speak for his or herself.

An SSD should:

• Express a philosophy of person-centered, long-term care based on individual resident needs, preferences and choices.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the aging process, including misconceptions, physical changes and psychosocial aspects.
• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
• Show understanding of the rights of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the admission and discharge process.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of documentation.
• Demonstrate ability in basic performance skills, such as teamwork, communication skills and working with administrative staff and other disciplines.
• Discuss issues involved in the management of internal support staff, budgeting, supplies, and outside resources.
• Show understanding of methods of identifying resident interests and needs and the use of assessment in care plan development.
• Evaluate a care plan for effectiveness.

Sign up for We Care Online's Social Service Designee class - Click Here!

Acing the Interview Once You Have the Training

Interviewing for that job you really want can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, there are some tricks to keep your nerves from getting the best of you during an interview and make that first impression a memorable one. A job interview can result in the elusive job offer so it is crucial to head into every interview feeling confident and well prepared.  Read the rest of the blog - click here.

Read more: The Most Important Job Interviewing Skills | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6504113_important-job-interviewing-skills.html#ixzz1Q9CdIM6G

Helping Others: Residents Like It Too

"Excuse me," I said to the lady sitting across from the nursing station.  "We've been saying hello for a while.  I'm Dr. Barbera, the psychologist.  You're Ms. Patel, right?"

"Yes, that's right."  She looked up at me from her wheelchair and smiled.  "Nice to meet you."

"You too.  Listen, I wanted to ask you a favor.  It's perfectly okay if you say no, because not everyone is comfortable with this, but I'm trying to find a place to meet in private with a neighbor of yours and her roommate is in her room.  I was wondering if I might be able to sit and chat with her for a few minutes in your room, since you're out here.  We wouldn't touch anything, we'd just sit and talk."


Read more at My Better Nursing Home - Click Here

Ever Wondered About the How's and Why's of Scrubs??

See what Wikipedia says about the history of scrubs.  Interesting!

"Scrubs are the shirts and trousers or gowns worn by nurses, surgeons, and other operating room personnel when "scrubbing in" for surgery. In the United Kingdom, they are sometimes known as Theatre Blues. They are designed to be simple with minimal places for dirt to hide, easy to launder, and cheap to replace if damaged or stained irreparably. The wearing of scrubs has been extended outside of surgery in many hospitals. Originally issued as replacement clothing if street clothing was contaminated, scrubs are now worn by any hospital personnel in any clean environment. The spread of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has increased the use of scrubs but can give wearers a false sense of security that they are 'clean' when in fact are as easily contaminated as any other clothing.^[1] They have also been mandated in some American prisons as a prison uniform.^{[citation needed]} The television show Scrubs is named for the medical garments worn by hospital personnel." 

Read the rest of Wikipedia's information:  Click Here

50 Web Resources Every Nurse Should Have

Pretty much every link you need to have, being a nurse.  Check this out! Click Here

30 Useful Web Apps You Need to Bookmark

FillAnyPDF

FillAnyPDF is a fairly simple web app which allows you to upload a PDF file, then easily write on it wherever you want. This allows you to easily fill out any form, even if they’re not in an editable PDF form. You can also share your blank form with others, so you can collect forms from a group easily. FillAnyPDF also supports electronic signatures and has a repository of free forms.

Google Wave

Read more: Click here

Job Description As a CNA Restorative Aide

A CNA restorative aide is a health-care professional who has earned certification as a certified nursing assistant and works with patients trying to return to regular, daily functioning after an illness or injury.

1. Function

   • CNA restorative aides work alongside registered nurses as well as occupational and physical therapists, setting up necessary supplies and cleaning equipment and assisting as needed. For patients, CNA restorative aides help with exercises, such as walking, that do not need the direct supervision of a therapist or nurse.

Read more: Click Here

Celebrate Residents' Rights - National Residents' Rights Month 2011 Packet of Materials Available Online

From the National Long Term Care Ombudsmen Resource Center:

May 3, 2011

We are pleased to announce Residents' Rights Week has been expanded to Residents' Rights Month. This gives us the entire month of October to call attention to the very important topic of residents' rights.
Residents' Rights Month is an annual event designated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care and is celebrated in October to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, sub acute units, assisted living, board and care and retirement communities. It is a time for celebration and recognition offering an opportunity for every facility to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the value of each individual resident. The theme for Residents' Rights Month 2011 is, "Welcome Home: Creating Connections Between Residents and the Community" with the goal of educating the community about residents' rights and to increase community involvement with residents.

2011 Residents' Rights Month Packet of Materials

Each year, the Consumer Voice develops a packet to help you plan your Residents’ Rights events. The packet is completely downloadable and features ready-to-use items, including promotional materials, activities to celebrate Residents' Rights Month, training tools and resources. Access the packet online.

A Few Great Links for Activity Directors

If you're like me, you're constantly online Googling different ideas to make your job more fun and interesting.  Here are a few good links with great activity ideas that came across our Activity Director course Discussion Board last month.

Have fun!

http://www.notjustbingo.com/

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com/Gina_ActivityIdeasThatWork_Home.html

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/

http://www.funtrivia.com/

Pharmacy Associations, Technicians and Settings for Technicians

An excerpt from our Pharmacy Technician course.

...In this chapter, you will be introduced to the qualifications, skills, and nonjudgmental duties required of pharmacy technicians in various job settings. You will also have the opportunity to learn about pharmacy technician certification. In addition to learning about the traditional settings for technicians, you will explore industry trends, such as e-pharmacies, and ways in which technicians can combine their knowledge of pharmacy with other skills and move into other positions.

Watch the Presentation "Pharmacy Associations, Certification, and Settings for Technicians"
You can download instructor notes to go along with the presentation by clicking here.

Links for Pharmacy Technician jobs and information:

• CareerBuilder, www.careerbuilder.com
• Craigslist, www.craigslist.org, select the nearest metropolitan area from the list on the right
• Monster, www.monster.com
• Pharmacy Tech Certification Board (PTCB): National Statistics, www.ptcb.org/About/statistics.aspx
• Pharmacy Tech Certification Board (PTCB) News: State Boards, www.ptcb.org/News/stateboards.aspx
• Yahoo Hot Jobs, http://hotjobs.yahoo.com

Gardening Leads to Better Eating Habits and Quality of Life

Older adults who spend time gardening are more likely to eat healthier foods, and report better quality of life and higher energy levels than other seniors who don't garden.

Texas A&M and Texas State University conducted a survey of nearly 300 adults age 50 and over. 

• Respondents who spent time gardening were more likely to be energetic, healthy and optimistic about the future.
• 84% said they had made plans for things they will be doing in one month or one year, while only 68% of non-gardeners had made similar plans

Read more:  Click Here