Staffing

Nursing students in residence

A nursing home in Maine is providing an immersive learning experience for nursing students through a new program that teaches them to live their lessons.  Read More »

OnShift releases software to improve LTC employee engagement

The human capital management software company will track employee performance to engage employees, reduce staff turnover and improve quality care.  Read More »

Trying again

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears is working to be more agreeable and less argumentative with an aide. Read More »

Activity programming: An administrator’s view

How can administrators support activity programming and make their activities directors the best they can be? An Arizona assisted living owner/operator explains the value of encouraging new ideas. Read More »

Aide fired for slapping resident with dementia

A memory care aide has been fired and charged with assault and disorderly conduct for slapping a resident who wandered out of bed during the night. Read More »

NY operators ordered to pay $2M in back overtime wages

The Queens, N.Y.-based Grand Healthcare System was cited for improper documentation of work hours, among other things. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow

Leaders of Tomorrow would like to recognize professionals—especially those early in their careers—who already are making a difference on ... Read More »

Employee drug testing under the new OSHA rules

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has new rules about discrimination and retaliation, and your organization's employee drug-testing policies may need to be revised to stay in compliance. Read More »

Five ways to spot employee talent

Statistics show engaged employees mean lower turnover and higher retention. That’s good for staff morale, residents and the bottom line.   Read More »

Six keys to an effective infection preventionist

Set your infection preventionist up for success by understanding the role and responsiblities beyond what's mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  Read More »

ACHCA, NAB to co-launch national NHA training program

The two organizations are hoping to set national standards for administrators-in-training and their preceptors. Read More »

Continuing education: Traditional vs. technology-based approaches

Online education may be a popular method, but in some situations, nothing can replace face-to-face learning. Read More »

3 tips for finding the perfect MDS coordinator

A veteran RN/MDS Coordinator discusses what skills and assessments are most important when hiring a new employee in the crucial role of overseeing the facility's Minimum Data Set documentation. Read More »

CareLinx, CareAcademy partner for online training

The two companies will combine efforts to expand online training for caregivers of older adults, both in a community and at home. Read More »

Staffing and quality

New approaches to staffing and scheduling can improve safety, raise quality and encourage employees to work better together. Read More »

Resident death shines spotlight on shift changes

A resident death at a five-star facility shows that accidents can happen anywhere—and serves as a reminder to shore up documentation and diligence during shift changes. Read More »

Illinois passes family caregiver leave law

The prairie state joins 4 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing employees to use their accrued paid sick days for a family member’s care instead of their own. Read More »

Study: At CCRCs, CNA wages still dragging behind other caregivers

Certified nurse aides salaries are, on average, increasing but at a slower rate than their salaried co-workers and supervisors, according to the latest Continuing Care and Retirement Community Salary & Benefits Report. Read More »

Van Dyk Health Care expands primary care services

The New Jersey-based provider hired its first nurse practitioner to help patients stay healthy and in their own home.  Read More »

The cost of payroll-based journal reporting adding up fast

Skilled nursing facilities are quickly finding the Payroll-Based Journal Reporting, mandated timekeeping regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are more time-consuming than anticipated. Read More »

Update: Mass. governor slashes proposed nursing home wage increase

Earlier this year, the Legislature approved a $35.5 million increase for nursing home direct care staff wages. Gov. Charlie Baker halved the increase days before the budget was to go into effect.  Read More »

Ethics and professionalism

Integrity and ethical standards can open doors for caregivers and show how professionalism can be a differentiator both in terms of staff and the business. Read More »

OSHA launches anti-retaliation rules for injury and illness reporting

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has passed rules that forbid retaliation and discrimination for reporting injuries, including post-accident drug testing and "incentive" programs that retaliate against those who bring workplace safety violations to light. Read More »

SCOTUS says no to challenge on labor law for home care

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case that would have challenged the Department of Labor’s ruling on labor protections for home care workers. Read More »

Caught caring

SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears shares how a little appreciation can go a long way in well-designed employee recognition programs. Read More »

New overtime rules come with hefty price tag

The long-term care industry may be hard hit by the Department of Labor’s new Overtime Exemption Rule, which will make certain workers who earn less than $48,000 a year eligible for overtime pay.  Read More »

Nurses celebrate Nursing Home Week

It’s time to say a double thanks to nurses, nursing aides and all nursing home staffers as the industry celebrates Nurses Week and Nursing Home Week. Read More »

Brookdale wants nurses

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. launches a tuition assistance program for newly-hired nurses that would reimburse up to $7,000 for two years of service. The goal is to grow and retain workforce talent amid a projected nursing shortfall and increasing senior population. Read More »

Working challenged

When an aide quits unexpectedly, it can really disrupt a nursing home's routines. SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears tells how two aides managed to do the work of three when a sudden staff shortage caught everyone by surprise. Read More »

6 ways to avoid meaningless meetings

Does your staff groan when it’s time for yet another meeting? Try these strategies to put your meetings back on the fast track—and get your staff back to work. Read More »