Category: Uncategorized

CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control of Monkeypox in Health Care Settings

The CDC updated its guidance for Infection Prevention and Control of Monkeypox in health care settings. Recommendations were added on how to monitor exposed patients and when they should be isolated. In addition, it addresses:
  • How to assess the risk of healthcare personnel (HCP) with monkeypox exposures;
  • How to monitor HCP; and
  • When to apply work restrictions.
The CDC also updated the risk assessment table for HCP to reflect the recommended PPE use based on risk level of exposure.
Information about human-to-human transmission of monkeypox virus is described in a How it Spreads guide.

Innovative Technology Doesn’t Have to Be Out of Reach

Robotics, intuitive software and devices, and innovations that can improve care and staffing are popping up all the time. However, budgets and funding for such technology are scant. While you may feel like a kid with empty pockets outside of a candy store, it’s important to stay on top of technology trends, and there are some innovative ways to bring them into your facilities.

From robots that can help with medication pass to devices that take vitals and send the information to physicians and other team members, many innovations can free staff from mundane tasks and the administrative/paperwork activities that weigh them down.

Read more at https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Special-Features/Pages/Innovative-Technology-Doesn%E2%80%99t-Have-to-Be-Out-of-Reach.aspx

Infection Prevention & Control in the Long-Term Care Setting: Cleaning and Disinfection

Brought to you by NETEC (National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center) this free resource will provide all staff in long-term care settings the information to help them understand and perform the steps required to clean and disinfect properly.

Visit the NETEC RESOURCE LIBRARY for more on this and other important information. https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1699

 

Better measures needed to assess pain, depression in older adults, study finds

Older adults may be experiencing pain and depression, but cognition impairment and other factors may too often prevent them from conveying those issues to doctors and caregivers.

Providing caregivers and clinicians with better observational tools and measures may make it easier to detect signs of pain, anxiety and depression in older patients, according to a new study from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Read more at https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/better-measures-needed-to-assess-pain-depression-in-older-adults-study-finds/

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Visit the WEAAD microsite to learn more https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

National Nurses Month Continues

The American Nurses Association selected the evergreen theme, Nurses Make a Difference to honor the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact on our lives. As part of the celebration, they’ve divided the month into four weekly focus areas — Self-Care, Recognition, Professional Development, and Community Engagement, and provided resources for each week.

Find out more at https://nursesmonth.org/about-nurses-month/

National Nurses Week Deals and Freebies!

National Nurses Week runs from May 6 to May 12, with National Nurses Day falling on May 6. It couldn’t be a better and more-deserving time to send an extra thank-you to nurses across the country who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response and taking care of us every day.

To celebrate their hard work and dedication, these restaurants and retailers are offering special discounts and deals for nurses and health care workers.

For a list of deals and freebies go to https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/national-nurses-week-deals-and-freebies.html 

Announcing AHCA/NCAL’s Spring Sale on Gero Nurse Prep

Save $200 off the AHCA/NCAL’s Gero Nurse Prep course​ through May 31, 2022, with promo code QUALITYRN22 (all caps). Specifically designed for registered nurses working in long term care, this curriculum provides comprehensive online training that leads to board certification in gerontological nursing​ by the America​n Nurses Credentialing Center​ (ANCC) for RNs.

Research released by AHCA/NCAL in 2019 found compelling reasons to consider the Gero Nurse Prep course and ANCC Board certification for RNs. Nursing facilities with at least one ANCC Board certified RN experienced:

  • ​Two fewer deficiencies on average (5.71 citations versus the 7.55 national average)
  • Fewer Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citations (1.60 versus the 2.27 national average)
  • More stars — nearly twice as likely to be a CMS 5-Star facility (50% versus the 28% national average)
  • Significantly lower re-hospitalization rates
  • Significantly lower rates of off-label use of antipsychotics
  • Significantly higher average SNF Value Based Purchasing scores (44.17 versus 34.42 for the nation)
Gero Nurse Prep also makes a big difference even for those RNs who are not interested in pursuing ANCC Board certification. Nurses who complete Gero Nurse Prep show an average 24 percent increase between their pre- and post-course test scores. The course delivers smarter RNs who are better prepared to deliver quality geriatric nursing care in skilled nursing and assisted living settings. Both two-year RNs and BSNs can take this course and sit for the ANCC exam.
RNs have one year to complete the course and earn 30 quality nursing contact hours – enough to meet the criteria for taking the ANCC certification exam. Gero Nurse Prep grads who choose to sit for the ANCC gerontological nursing certification exam (a $395 separate fee paid to ANCC) have a pass rate of 95% on their first try. RNs who pass the ANCC exam can then use the GERO-BC™ credential after their RN credential.
Watch this video​ or visit the website at geronurseprep.com​ to learn more about this online program designed to help RNs increase their geriatric nursing skills and to pass the ANCC exam. Don’t forget to use the QUALITYRN22 promo code when you register by May 31 to save $200 off the regular $790 Gero Nurse Prep

Hot and Relevant Topics Covered at 2022 Quality Summit

​Programming for the 2022 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit is designed for quality practitioners at all levels. From sessions showcasing innovative practices of providers across the country and peer-to-peer idea exchanges, to new solutions from sponsor partners and dynamic keynote speakers, you will leave with fresh ideas that you can implement as soon as you return to your centers and communities. Attendees can earn up to 11 CEs.

The deadline to register is May 5, so don’t delay!