COE-NF for Behavioral Health Resources: Mental Health Awareness Training Plan, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Recovery

The following resources are now available: Mental Health Awareness Training Plan Schizophrenia in Nursing Facilities: Validating Diagnosis and Planning for Appropriate Care Schizophrenia Fact Sheet 4 Ways Nursing Homes Can Promote Substance Use Recovery See All Resources

Targeted Prevention: Stopping Urinary Infections in Their Tracks

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain significant concerns in long-term care settings. They contribute to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life for residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 75% of UTIs in hospitalized patients …

Catheter Care Competency

Competent catheter care is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring resident safety. Facilities can use AAPACN’s Catheter Care Competency tool as a standardized guide to evaluate and verify that staff are properly trained and consistently applying best practices when providing care for residents with urinary catheters. This competency can also …

20 “Choosing Wisely” Recommendations From PALTmed

“1. Don’t insert percutaneous feeding tubes in individuals with advanced dementia. Instead, offer oral assisted feedings: Strong evidence exists that artificial nutrition does not prolong life or improve quality of life in patients with advanced dementia. Substantial functional decline and recurrent or progressive medical illnesses may indicate that a patient who …

Pain Relief Without Pills: A Guide to Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Pain management is an essential component of nursing care. Non-pharmacological pain management interventions can effectively complement or reduce the need for medication. This tool will review non-pharmacological interventions by type, providing mechanism of action and examples for use. It will also include a comprehensive audit component to track intervention utilization, …

Calming the Agitation to Aggression Pipeline: Non-pharmacological Behavior Management

Using non-pharmacological approaches, not psychotropic medications (i.e., antipsychotic, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and hypnotic dugs), as the first line of treatment for behavior management is not a new concept for nursing homes, says Amy Lee, RN, BSN, MSN, CRRN, QCP, president and CEO of Coretactics Healthcare Consulting in Rexford, NY. “However, the …

Rethinking Pain Management: Non-pharmacological Solutions for a Holistic Approach

Pain management is an essential piece of the care provided in long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) settings. Many residents experience acute or chronic pain due to a variety of conditions, such as postsurgical recovery, arthritis, and neuropathy. Pain traditionally was managed with pharmacological interventions, including narcotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. …

Shifting Mindsets on Infection Prevention and Control: From Policy Adherence to Personal Ownership for Staff

An effective Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) goes beyond compliance with policies and ideally reflects a cultural shift toward personal responsibility. The nurse leader has a key role in helping healthcare professionals recognize their part in preventing infections and understanding how their actions directly impact resident safety. The goal …

The Essential Guide to Infection Prevention and Control In-service Education

The Essential Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in-service education will equip staff with the knowledge and strategies to identify and reduce the risk of several types of infections including respiratory, foodborne, urinary tract, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Staff will also be empowered to recognize early symptoms and …

AHRQ’s Surveys on Patient Safety Culture Nursing Home Survey: 2025 User Database Report

Results from AHRQ’s 2025 Surveys on Patient Safety Culture® (SOPS®) Nursing Home Survey User Database Report are now available. The Database Report includes 107 nursing homes representing 4,411 healthcare providers and staff. Key findings include: Area for Improvement: Area of Strength: Review the 2025 Nursing Home Database Results Infographic For more information, please …