Article

Pruitt Health Exec Shares Insights on Pandemic’s Challenges to a Large Workforce, Multi-State Presence

As a healthcare company with multiple types of operations in different states, Pruitt Health had many challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Learn how the company has risen to them and is charting its path forward.

April 01, 2021

Article

Measuring Nurse Competency: Systems-Based Practice in Nursing

Systems-based Practice in Nursing involves approaching patient care from a wider perspective. In this practice practitioners demonstrate awareness of the larger context and system of healthcare and can access resources throughout the system to ensure optimal outcomes.

April 01, 2021

Article

Measuring Nurse Competency: Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Interpersonal communication plays an essential role in healthcare, with a sizeable impact on patient outcomes, as well as a contributor to the experience within the healthcare workplace. Learn more about the benefits and risks of effective interpersonal communication in healthcare.

April 01, 2021

Article

Measuring Nurse Competency: How Does Practice-Based Learning & Improvement Help New Nurses?

Practice-based learning for nurses is simple in theory yet can miss the mark if it’s designed as a “one size fits all” program instead of targeting the needs of each participant.

April 01, 2021

Article

Nursing Homes Challenged by Regulatory Requirements

Nursing homes are affected by the back and forth pull between the welfare and interests of long-term care recipients and the organizations themselves. Their adherence with regulatory requirements requires resources and a commitment of time that may hamper the ability to provide care.

April 01, 2021

Article

Measuring Nurse Competency: What Is Clinical Knowledge in Nursing?

Clinical knowledge in nursing is a key element of measuring nurse competency and requires a comprehensive training, clinical internship, and continuing education program.

April 01, 2021

Article

Measuring Nurse Competency – Patient Care

Measuring nurse competency in patient-centered care requires attention to both patient experience measures and performance on specific metrics. New tools and advancements in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, make measurement in this domain more efficient.

April 01, 2021

Article

Pandemic-Related Stress Among Healthcare Workers May Lead to Burnout and Mental Health Issues

64% of households with a healthcare worker said worry and stress over the coronavirus caused them to experience at least one adverse effect, such as difficulty sleeping or eating, increases in alcohol consumption or substance use, etc.

April 01, 2021

Article

CMS Continues to Make Updates to COVID-19-Focus Survey Tool for Long-Term Care Facilities

When CMS overhauled its long-term care facility survey earlier this year, few thought the new document would remain unchanged. They were right, and new elements have been added in alongside an updated on- and offsite survey set of protocols.

April 01, 2021

Article

Emergency Preparedness Is Also a Burden for Long-Term Care

The burden for emergency preparedness compliance continues to fall more heavily on long-term care. While the rest of the continuum can review programs on a biannual basis, long-term care providers continue to be required to review the emergency program on an annual basis.

April 01, 2021

Article

Long-Term Care Has a Big Problem with Infection Control

The coronavirus pandemic has made the vulnerability of American long-term care facilities even more obvious. Not only are residents more susceptible to infection due to age or disease, but the very nature of the facilities, from structure to care delivery, makes it easier for diseases to spread.

April 01, 2021

Article

How to Become a Nurse Leader

Just like in other professions, nursing must have people who are in charge, ideally, these clinicians have natural leadership skills and finds themselves gravitating naturally towards leadership positions. This post looks at what a nurse leader does and the education required to become one.

April 01, 2021

Article

Stressful environments during COVID-19 risk increased substance abuse and domestic violence

The conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to dangerous environments for at-risk victims, driving increases in substance abuse and domestic violence.

April 01, 2021

Article

Notes from the Pandemic Front Lines - Oregon Veteran’s Home & the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Oregon was ready and waiting when COVID-19 to arrive on its doorstep, thanks to a comprehensive, far-reaching plan of action. Learn about their preparations and experience.

April 01, 2021

Article

What’s Involved in the E/M Coding Changes Coming in 2021

The Long overdue change in E/M Coding applies to the two sets of codes used for physician office billing, for new and established patients. The code level is assigned depending on the complexity of the visit, and documentation will connect closely to the patient care provided.

April 01, 2021

Article

Social Isolation and Loneliness, Common COVID-19 Impacts, Are Linked to Depression

Much of the U.S. population has experienced some level of isolation since the beginning of the pandemic. A broad body of research links social isolation and loneliness to both poor mental and physical health.

April 01, 2021

Article

Falls with Injury Are a Significant Problem for Long-Term Care Residents

The consequences of falls for frail elderly residents can be serious, having a significant impact on subsequent quality of life and ability to function. Even when no injury occurs, the resulting fear of the impact of a future fall can lead to a decrease in activity.

April 01, 2021

Article

Special Considerations for Healthcare, When It Comes to Diversity, Inclusion, and Bias

Bias can lead to problems in healthcare. An American Journal of Public Health study showed that two-thirds of primary care doctors harbor biases toward their African American patients. As a result, they spend less time with black patients and involve them less in their own medical decisions.

April 01, 2021

Article

CMS Nursing-Home Survey Replaced Annual Survey, Provided Window into COVID-19 Operations

In early 2020, CMS revised its survey process for long-term care facilities to focus on COVID-19 awareness and preparedness. What do facilities need to know?

April 01, 2021

Article

3 Ways HealthStream’s ePortfolio Supports Nurses

HealthStream’s ePortfolio offers a complimentary and convenient way for nurses to celebrate and present their professional story on demand.

April 01, 2021