Speak Up! Improve Communication to Bolster the MDS Process

Effective communication is the glue holding the MDS process together, says Stacy Grondel, BSN, RN, RAC-MT, CMAC, QCP. director of reimbursement operations at QRM in Addison, TX. “The nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) who is a strong communicator can develop better working relationships with the interdisciplinary team and executive leadership—and establish …

Mentoring, Coaching, and Counseling, Oh My! How They All Fit Into The Disciplinary Process

As the leader of the nursing department, the director of nursing services (DNS) plays an integral role in the disciplinary process. Managing employee performance can be challenging, but it is necessary. Failure to address employees’ negative behaviors and actions can destroy morale among the staff. Knowing when and how to …

Common Barriers and Risks Associated with Care Planning and How the DNS Can Support the Nursing Team

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss common barriers in the care planning process, the risks of delaying care plan updates, and how the director of nursing …

How to Explain the Nurse Assessment Coordinator Role to Others

The role of the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) can often be an enigma to many nursing home staff. Misunderstandings about the position abound, and NACs may find it frustrating that no one knows what they do or its true impact. One of the most common misunderstandings about the NAC’s role …

How the DNS Can Lead the Team Before, During, and After an Emergency

Emergencies can occur at any moment. Fires, hurricanes, snowstorms, ice storms, water main breaks, power outages, and outbreaks are just a few of the emergencies nursing homes must prepare for throughout the year. However, in September 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) …

Part of the Essential DNS Toolbox: Effective Daily Clinical Rounds

The director of nursing services (DNS) has many issues to prioritize each day, such as resident falls, staffing, and grievances. Unfortunately, the DNS may be tempted to relegate clinical rounds to “later,” considering them a low priority due to time constraints, which can prove to be a costly mistake. Daily …

Operationalizing Change in the Workplace

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Linda Winston, RN, MSN, BS, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, independent nurse consultant and educator, discuss how to operationalize change in the workplace. This podcast is sponsored by AAPACN Diamond business partner, MDS Consultants. …

Section GG Data Collection Tool

AAPACN has updated the Section GG 3-Day Data Collection Tool to include all of the new self-care and mobility items effective Oct. 1, 2023. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within their facility only. AAPACN facility organizational members have …

Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and Resources

Are you considering advancing your career and looking to gain knowledge to be successful in your next role? Or are you already in the position you love but looking to improve your knowledge for additional success? The new Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and Resources outlines AAPACN’s education programs and …