- CERTIFICATION PROGRAM: QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement)
- CERTIFICATION PROGRAM: Infection Prevention and Control
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant)
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: CMA - (Certified Medical Assistant)
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: NP - (Nurse Practitioner)
- CERTIFICATION / RESOURCES: Nurse Researcher Degree Requirement
- MEDIA SHARING: 7 Deadly Sins of PowerPoint Presentations
- ORGANIZATION: AGS - American Geriatrics Society - Geriatrics Healthcare Professionals
- ORGANIZATION: AMDA - The Society for PA and LTC Medicine
- ORGANIZATION: FDA - Food and Drug Administration Resources
- ORGANIZATION: NSNA - National Student Nurses' Association
- ORGANIZATION: The Joint Commission
- ORGANIZATION: TMF Health Quality Institute
- ORGANIZATION: QIO (Quality Innovation Network)
- RESOURCE: AGS - 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria®
- RESOURCE: Antipsychotic Medication Use Data Report
- RESOURCE: CMS - Technical Users’ Guide, Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System
- RESOURCE: CMS - Guidance for codes list F-Tags
- RESOURCE: CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Resources
- RESOURCE: Influenza Posters
- RESOURCE: NNHQI: Nursing Home Quality Improvement Campaign
- RESOURCE: Nursing Home Quality Improvement Pain Assessment Toolkits
- RESOURCE: Nurse and Residents Self Care
- RESOURCE: Nurse Career and Nursing Student Resources
- RESOURCE: NURSING.ORG
- RESOURCE: NURSINGEXAMS.ORG
- RESOURCE: Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Sourcing Assistance
- RESOURCE: Physical and Neurological "Bones and Brain in Review"
- RESOURCE: Project Echo: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Ft. Worth
- RESOURCE: Senior Care Management
- RESOURCE: Senior Living Resources
- RESOURCE: Sepsis Screening Tool
- RESOURCE: Social Security Official Information
- RESOURCE: Stress Reduction
- RESOURCE: Resume Ideas
- SCHOLARSHIP: GOODRX Nurses for Change Scholarship
- SCHOLARSHIP: NadonaLTC
- SUPPORT: Alzheimer Resources
- SUPPORT: Mesothelioma
- SUPPORT: Pneumonia Resources
- SUPPORT: Speech Pathology Resources
- SUPPORT: Vaccinations
- SUPPORT: Wound Care Resources
- VETERANS RESOURCES - Healthcare for U.S. Veterans - Free Grants
- WEBINARS/PODCAST: McKnights 2022 Podcast Series
- WEBINARS/PODCAST: Nadona LTC
- WEBINARS/PODCAST: PharMerica Partners in Nurse Advancement
- WEBINARS/PODCAST: PharMerica Illuminate Webinars on CMS
- WEBINARS/PODCAST: PharMerica Illuminate Webinars on STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
WHAT IS QAPI?
QAPI is the merger of two complementary approaches to quality management, Quality Assurance (QA) and Performance Improvement (PI). QA and PI combine to form QAPI, a comprehensive approach to ensuring high quality care. Both involve seeking and using information, but they differ in key ways:
QA is a process of meeting quality standards and assuring that care reaches an acceptable level. Nursing homes typically set QA thresholds to comply with regulations. They may also create standards that go beyond regulations. QA is a reactive, retrospective effort to examine why a facility failed to meet certain standards. QA activities do improve quality, but efforts frequently end once the standard is met.
PI (also called Quality Improvement – QI) is a proactive and continuous study of processes with the intent to prevent or decrease the likelihood of problems by identifying areas of opportunity and testing new approaches to fix underlying causes of persistent/systemic problems. PI in nursing homes aims to improve processes involved in health care delivery and resident quality of life. PI can make good quality even better.
Read the QAPI Newsbrief Volume 1
Read the QAPI Newsbrief Volume 2
From The Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network
QAPI Written Plan
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is a data driven and proactive approach to quality improvement. All members of an organization, including residents, are involved in continuously identifying opportunities for improvement. Gaps in systems are addressed through planned interventions with a goal of improving the overall quality of life and quality of care and services delivered to nursing home residents.
The QAPI plan will guide your organization’s performance improvement efforts. The QAPI regulation requires a written plan. This plan is a framework for an effective, comprehensive, data driven program that focuses on the indicators that reflect outcomes of care and quality of life. The plan will assist your organization in achieving what you have identified as the purpose of QAPI in your organization. The QAPI plan also is intended to be a living document that your organization will continue to review and revise. Your written QAPI plan will be made available to a state agency, federal surveyor, or CMS upon request. It reflects the way your organization has developed, implemented, and maintained your quality program.
PI (also called Quality Improvement – QI) is a proactive and continuous study of processes with the intent to prevent or decrease the likelihood of problems by identifying areas of opportunity and testing new approaches to fix underlying causes of persistent/systemic problems. PI in nursing homes aims to improve processes involved in health care delivery and resident quality of life. PI can make good quality even better.
Read more QAPI Written Plan How-To Guide Read / Download PDF
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Guide for Developing Purpose, Guiding Principles, and Scope for QAPI
Use these step-by-step instructions to create a separate document that may be used as a preamble to your QAPI plan.
Use these tools to establish the purpose, guiding principles and scope for QAPI in your organization. The team completing this worksheet should include senior leadership. Taking time to articulate the purpose, develop guiding principles, and define the scope will help you to understand how QAPI will be used and integrated into your organization. This information will also help your organization to develop a written QAPI plan.
Read More and download: QAPI step-by-step instructions
Read More and download: QAPI At a Glance
Read More and download: QAPI 5 Elements
Read More and download: QAPI Self Assessment Tool
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC- 22) Certificate of Mastery Program
NEW Oct 2022 Compliance deadline
NEWLY UPDATED! NEWLY CREDENTIALED!
Get your Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC- 22) Certificate ***Mastery Course required to sit for IP-BC****
NADONA Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC- 22) Certificate of Mastery Program (15 Session) – Online Course
The IPAC Program is a Certificate of Mastery Program that yields an official certificate and either 15 hours (live) or 22 contact hours (online). Awarded CEs are nursing CEs.
The Mastery class is a prerequisite to be eligible to sit for the NADONA Infection Preventionist Board Certification. The IPAC program is designed to cover all the components of a well-rounded Infection Control Program and the role of the Infection Preventionist.
The IPAC program was specifically designed to meet the new regulations regarding Infection Control and the Infection Preventionist.
STEP 1: (IPAC- 22) Certificate of Mastery Program
STEP 2: Infection Preventionist Board Certified Certification Exam (IP-BC™)
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
Infection Prevention, Control & Immunizations
Infection Control: This facility task must be used to investigate compliance at F880, F881, F882, F883, F885, F886, F887, and F888. For the purpose of this task, “staff” includes facility employees (regardless of clinical responsibilities or resident contact), licensed practitioners, adult students, trainees, and volunteers; and individuals who provide care, treatment or other services for the facility and/or its residents, under contract or by other arrangement. The infection prevention and control program (IPCP) must be facility-wide and include all departments and contracted services. If a specific care area concern is identified, it should be evaluated under the specific care area, such as for pressure ulcers, respiratory care, catheter care, and medication pass observations which include central lines, peripheral IVs, and oral/IM/respiratory medications.
Entry and screening procedures as well as resident care guidance have varied over the progression of COVID-19 transmission in facilities. Facilities are expected to be in compliance with CMS requirements and surveyors will use guidance that is in effect at the time of the survey. Refer to QSO memos released at: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-andMemos-to- States-and-Regions.
Read and Download Infection Prevention, Control & Immunizations task for compliance at F880, F881, F882, F883, F885, F886, F887, and F888.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care to the sick, injured, and disabled under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. The LPN/LVN profession only requires you to obtain a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from an accredited nursing program; these typically take one or two years. The term ‘LPN’ is most frequently used to describe these professionals, though some states prefer to call them LVNs.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care to the sick, injured, and disabled under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. The LPN/LVN profession only requires you to obtain a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from an accredited nursing program; these typically take one or two years. The term ‘LPN’ is most frequently used to describe these professionals, though some states prefer to call them LVNs.
NurseJournal.org’s Nurse Practitioner Career Guide
List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Florida
Family Nurses Practitioner Programs Guideline
How to Become a Pain Management Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner Program Guides
Nurse Practitioner Residencies & Fellowships by Specialty
NP Continuing Education: General CME, plus CE by Specialty
Nurse Practitioner Requirements
Guide to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice for NP’s
Tips for Making Effective PowerPoint Presentations: The Seven Deadly Sins of PowerPoint Presentations, By Joseph Sommerville
Partnership for Health in Aging
A Coalition of Organizations Representing Healthcare Professions Caring for Older Adults
Mission
To prepare America’s formal and informal caregiving workforce to provide quality care for America’s aging population, and to ensure the financial feasibility of providing that care.
The American Geriatrics Society
Subscribe to Caring For the Ages
The Executive Committee of AMDA’s Board of Directors is monitoring the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak and posting updates as they occur. The health, safety, and well-being of the community is our highest priority. This is a rapidly evolving situation; please check the CDC website often for the latest recommendations.
AMDA Update on COVID-19
FDA announces voluntary nationwide recall of all liquid products manufactured by PharmaTech and distributed by six companies
- [UPDATE 8/9/2016] FDA is alerting health care professionals and consumers of PharmaTech’s voluntary recall expansion to include all liquid products due to possible Burkholderia cepacia contamination. These products were manufactured in its Davie, Florida, facility, and distributed and labeled by six firms – Rugby, Major, Bayshore, Metron, Centurion, and Virtus.
Consumers, pharmacies, and health care facilities that have product which is being recalled should stop using and dispensing them immediately. Using these products in a patient whose immune system is compromised could result in infections, which may be life-threatening.
To date, FDA has received adverse event reports related to oral liquid docusate sodium and is not aware of any adverse event reports related to the additional recalled products.
FDA and CDC will provide additional information when it is available.
FDA announces voluntary nationwide recall of oral liquid docusate sodium manufactured by PharmaTech and distributed by Rugby Laboratories
[7/16/16] U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals that PharmaTech LLC, Davie, Florida, is voluntarily recalling all non-expired lots of Diocto Liquid, a docusate sodium solution distributed by Rugby Laboratories, Livonia, Michigan. The agency confirmed the product has been contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacteria linked to an outbreak in five states.
PharmaTech manufactures the oral liquid docusate sodium, which is distributed nationwide by Rugby with a Rugby label in one pint (473 mL) bottles.
In addition, FDA has received several adverse event reports of B. cepacia infections in patients. Some of these reports identify liquid docusate sodium products manufactured by companies other than PharmaTech. FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate the extent of this issue in order to identify other potentially contaminated liquid docusate sodium products.
Patient safety is our top priority. FDA joins CDC in recommending that clinicians not use any liquid docusate sodium product as a stool softener or for any other medical purpose.
FDA and CDC will provide additional information when it is available.
FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of oral liquid docusate sodium products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
- Complete and submit the report online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; or
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
The Joint Commission’s Weekly Newsletter
Published for Joint Commission-accredited organizations and interested health care professionals, R3 Report provides the rationale and references that The Joint Commission employs in the development of new requirements. While the standards manuals also may provide a rationale, R3 Report goes into more depth, providing a rationale statement for each element of performance (EP). The references provide the evidence that supports the requirement. R3 Report may be reproduced if credited to The Joint Commission. Sign up for email delivery.
Join TMF Quality Innovative Network for Valuable Resources
Vaccine Safety Resources for Healthcare Providers
Provider’s Role: Importance of Vaccine Administration and Vaccine Storage & Handling
Safety Information about Specific Vaccines
| National Council on Aging: Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs |
Common Vaccine Safety Concerns
| The updated “Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes” is now available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Integrated Surveyor Training website. This training focuses on person-centered care for residents with dementia and resident-abuse prevention. Click on the following links to access the self-paced online training or downloadable materials for an instructor-led course.
CMS Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes Online CMS Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes to Download |
The American Geriatrics Society
American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults
By the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® Update Expert Panel
First published: 04 May 2023 | https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18372
Panel Members and Affiliations are provided in Appendix.
Abstract
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® (AGS Beers Criteria®) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults is widely used by clinicians, educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and regulators. Since 2011, the AGS has been the steward of the criteria and has produced updates on a regular cycle. The AGS Beers Criteria® is an explicit list of PIMs that are typically best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as in certain diseases or conditions. For the 2023 update, an interprofessional expert panel reviewed the evidence published since the last update (2019) and based on a structured assessment process approved a number of important changes including the addition of new criteria, modification of existing criteria, and formatting changes to enhance usability. The criteria are intended to be applied to adults 65 years old and older in all ambulatory, acute, and institutionalized settings of care, except hospice and end-of-life care settings. Although the AGS Beers Criteria® may be used internationally, it is specifically designed for use in the United States and there may be additional considerations for certain drugs in specific countries. Whenever and wherever used, the AGS Beers Criteria® should be applied thoughtfully and in a manner that supports, rather than replaces, shared clinical decision-making.
Technical Users’ Guide | July 2022
Effective with the July 2022 refresh, CMS is revising the methodology for calculating the Staffing star rating. The new rating is based on six separate staffing measures. Similar to the Quality Measure (QM) rating, points are assigned based on the performance on each of these six measures.
WHAT IS AN F-TAG NUMBER?
A federal tag (or F-tag) number corresponds to a specific regulation within the Code of Federal Regulations. For example, “F312” refers to the regulation requiring nursing facilities to provide dependent residents with care.
F-Tags are areas of compliance assessed during a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or CMS Survey.
F-Tags are used by your state and CMS to identify deficiencies based on a community’s performance within CMS standards and guidelines. Each tag is related to one area of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Guidance for codes used with Federal Regulatory Groups for Long Term Care Facilities.
DOWNLOAD REVISED LIST OF F-TAGS
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/GuidanceforLawsAndRegulations/Downloads/List-of-Revised-FTags.pdf
Tag to be cited by Federal Surveyors Only. June 21, 2021
Page 1. F540. Definitions. 483.12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.
NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE: Quick Assessment Reference Pocket Guides/Badge Buddies for Coding
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering Pocket Guides to assist providers in assessing and coding self-care and mobility, falls, and pressure ulcers/injuries. The pocket guides provide a quick reference for important terms and definitions that promote coding accuracy. These training assets are intended for providers in Home Health Agencies (HHAs), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs), Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs), and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). The pocket guides are approximately 2 x 3.5 inches in size and are designed to be worn behind a provider identification badge. The pocket guides cover the following topics:
- Pocket Guide #1: Coding for Self-Care and Mobility Items.
- Pocket Guide #2: Definitions for Coding Section J Fall Items.
- Pocket Guide #3: Pressure Ulcers/Injuries Stages and Definitions. The pocket guides are available under the Downloads section of the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page for each setting:
- Home Health QRP Training
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility QRP Training
- Long-Term Care Hospital QRP Training
- Skilled Nursing Facility QRP Training
If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox (PACTraining@EconometricaInc.com). Content-related questions should be submitted to the setting specific help desk:
- HomeHealthQualityQuestions@cms.hhs.gov
- IRF.Questions@cms.hhs.gov
- LTCHQualityQuestions@cms.hhs.gov
- SNFQualityQuestions@cms.hhs.gov
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
12 Facts All Seniors Should Know About Medicare
The Ultimate Guide to Medicare Enrollment
26 Frequently Asked Questions About Long-term Care
A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Living Expenses
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Aging in Place Design Checklist: How to Design Safe & Accessible Homes
Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Ensure Your Loved Ones are Safe at Home
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Senior Citizen’s Guide To Aging At Home Safely And With Dignity
List of Common Diagnoses of Elderly
Press Release: CMS Develops Additional Code for Coronavirus Lab Tests
Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Response News Alert: CMS Issues Frequently Asked
SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines for the FY 2021
PAC-SNF-FY2021-QuickReferenceGuide
PAC-SNF-FY2022-QuickReferenceGuide
Head to Toe Infection Prevention Toolkit (ZIP)
Developing a Restful Environment Action Manual (DREAM) Toolkit (ZIP)
CMPRP-Toolkit 1 – Employee Competency Assessments (ZIP)
CMPRP-Toolkit 2 – Employee Satisfaction Survey (ZIP)
CMPRP-Toolkit 3-Guide to Staff Satisfaction (PDF)
CMS Releases ICD-10 Assessment and Maintenance Toolkit
Press Release: HHS Finalizes Historic Rules to Provide Patients More Control of Their Health Data
NursingExams.org Scholarship Hub
Self Care Tips for Nurses’ Mental Health
The pandemic has proved even further what we’ve known to be true for a long time, nurses are a vital asset to our healthcare system. In order to offer some relief for their monthly loan payments, we recently created what we believe to be the most in-depth guide for nurses who may be thinking about refinancing their student loans. Education Loan Finance
Nurse Resume Example & Writing Guide
Nursing interview questions & how to answer them
Financial Aid and FAFSA Guide for College Students
The Guide to Scholarships by Major
Ultimate Guide for Nursing Students
Getting Through Nursing School with a Learning Disability
Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health in Nursing School
Best Jobs for Nursing Students
Financial Tips For Young Adults: How To Budget, Save And Protect Your Finances
Do I Qualify for Financial Aid?
Best Guide to Online DHA Programs
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Griswold’s new scholarship program honors caregivers, founder’s legacy
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The 5 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs 2021
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College Consensus Best Online Colleges & Universities
BRC Healthcare Programs That Are Bringing Real Change
Career Exploration Guide in Medical Imaging: A Resource Guide for Healthcare Students
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How To Manage Your Online Studies Efficiently
Finding a Job as a Nursing School Graduate
6 Essential Tips for Nurses in their First Year
Nursing in California: Plan Your Career as an RN or LVN
College Students Guide to Ergonomics
College Scholarship Guide – EduBirdie
Guide to BSN to DNP Programs Online
Guide to Online DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) nurse.org
Preventing Trips and Falls at Home and the Workplace: Design and Layout Considerations
Age-in-Place Home Improvements: A Room-by-Room Guide
13 Minority Nursing Scholarships
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The Increasing Demand for Nurses: An Online Guide to Educational and Career Pathways
Guide to Online Nursing Programs
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SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship
Resume Builder Create a Resume
Resume Builder High School Resume Examples
25 Nursing School Leaders Tell Nursing Students What to Expect in 2021
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Nursing Career Requirements Overview
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University HQ Nursing Degree Guide
Online Colleges that Offer Free Laptops or Tablets
8 Simple Questions to Finding Your Nursing Niche
Recent college graduates face a tough job market : Here are your options
Guide to Finding and Winning Nursing Scholarships
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Healthcare Administration Degrees Guide
Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
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Nursing Cover Letter Example & Guide [2020]
Understanding of Federal Student Aid
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DeVry University Healthcare Degrees
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Registered Nursing.org RN to MSN Guide
Healthcare administration degree guidebooks to better help job seekers, professionals, and students understand the changing landscapes of healthcare administration both at school and work. This guidebook can be viewed here: http://www.publichealthdegrees.org/program/masters/mha
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Health Services Administration Major
Medical and Billing Coding (Student guide, icd-10, scholarship)
Managing Nurse Fatigue – A Commitment to Quality Care
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Bradley University Online Master of Science in Nursing Program
Contacting a state board of nursing – How to find them
College Guidebook: Tips and tricks to success
Guide to Online Universities & Colleges
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Student Success: A College Survival Guide
The Online MBA in Healthcare Management
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College Universities: Your Education Starts Here
Colorado Technical University Masters of Nursing
Maryville College – Nursing in the United States
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University of Louisiana Lafayette RN to BSN
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Milken Institute School of Public Health
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WGU Ohio College of Health Professions Online
In the years to come, our country is projected to experience a shortage of nurses that will only be aggravated by the aging Baby Boomer generation. Considering nurses’ contributions to the entire medical industry, the impact would degrade our society’s health at large. It’s increasingly more important than ever to encourage individuals to pursue or advance their careers in nursing.
However, the variety of degree and certificate options, and all the acronyms that come with them can make the nursing field difficult to navigate. In order to help alleviate the confusion, my team at Nursing.org curated a streamlined series of guides breaking down degree types, program requirements, and flexible degree options. You can check them out below:
Becoming a Nurse Series
Nursing Career Pathways
https://www.nursing.org/careers/
Earning a Nursing Degree:
https://www.nursing.org/degrees/
Flexible Nursing Programs:
https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/
Accelerated Nursing Programs:
https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/accelerated-nursing-programs/
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant
What is a CNA?
https://www.nursing.org/careers/certified-nursing-assistant/
Flexible CNA Programs:
https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/certified-nursing-assistant/
Scholarships for Prospective Nurses:
https://www.nursing.org/scholarships/
In order for our healthcare system – and more broadly, our society – to be able to address the needs of its people, we need well-trained nurses to counteract the shortage. We researched these guides to help nurses advance their careers for the betterment of both their lives and their communities.
Earning an Associate’s in Nursing
NursingExams.org has developed resources to help nurses handle different aspects of their jobs, how to address their mental health, and ways to improve their career.
How to Deal with Difficult Patients as a Nurse
Nurses and other medical professionals are present for patients during good and bad times. Sometimes, it can be the worst day a person has ever had when they encounter a nurse. From rude comments to large-scale outbursts, many things happen in medical facilities that make it challenging for nurses to know how to deal with difficult patients. Of course, in a professional environment, maintaining a level of professionalism is paramount. Finding a way to complete the job at hand with poise and compassion while dealing with a complex emotional situation is a balance that can be hard to strike.
Self Care for Nurses and Mental Health in Nursing
Nursing can be a very stressful profession. It requires a high level of compassion and empathy in difficult situations, not to mention long hours, frequent night shifts, or the risk of contracting contagious diseases. Some nurses might find that the challenges of the job begin to harm their mental health. This experience is common, and it can be very distressing.
According to a 2022 study on mental health in nursing published by the Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection, 44.6% of nurses surveyed reported experiencing moderate to severe depression, while 31.1% reported moderate to severe anxiety. Finding the appropriate resources to care for one’s mental health is an important process. One of the best ways for nurses to manage their mental health is by practicing good self-care. Read on to learn more about why self-care is important, what it looks like on a practical level, and how to customize self-care systems.
Nursing Specialties with the Highest Salary
Deciding which nursing specialty to pursue is a major moment in a nurse’s career, and deserves a lot of thought and research. There are currently almost 100 nursing specialties across the United States, each one with different requirements, skills, education, responsibilities, etc. The right nursing specialty, one that a nurse is truly passionate about, helps alleviate the burnout of working many-hour shifts at all times of the day. When considering a specialty, nurses have a number of factors to examine including their technical interests, career and personal goals, and the current nursing shortage.
One important area to consider, however, is the salary. This guide will cover the nursing specialties with the highest salary and an overview of each nursing specialty.
The Fastest Route to Become a Nurse
The nursing profession is one of the fastest-growing and most popular career fields in the 21st century. Rising incomes and an aging population have resulted in increased demand for qualified nurses. Adding to this demographic shift, many regions face a shortage of nurses in specific specialties such as critical care and labor and delivery. Despite this immense opportunity, many prospective nurses believe that it takes a substantial amount of time and money to enter the field. However, thanks to new technologies and the ever-evolving educational environment, prospective nurses can choose quicker routes into nursing than ever before. However, it is essential to note that different nursing paths have varying education, time commitment, and licensing and certification requirements. As a result, before deciding on a path, you should reflect on what type of nursing or specialty you want to pursue. We will cover these paths and their pros and cons below.
Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Medicare covers DME under the following conditions:
- It must be deemed medically necessary, needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms and meet accepted standards of medicine.
- It must be ordered by your health care provider, and your provider must be enrolled in Medicare.
- It must be provided by a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plans may have additional requirements for DME coverage, such as using network providers and obtaining prior authorization.
What Parts of Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Medicare covers DME under Part A if it is used as part of your hospital or skilled nursing facility stay or if you are in hospice. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary DME and supplies for use in the home and a long-term care facility. DME benefits are available to you whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment?
You must have Original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) to get DME coverage for use in the home or long-term care setting. You must have Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) to get DME that is included in your hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. Your health care provider must write an order for your DME and may have to document why it is medically necessary for you. Your doctor and your supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.
You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. As an enrollee, you are eligible for DME coverage according to your plan’s rules about how to obtain it.
What Durable Medical Equipment Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers DME that is medically necessary. Your DME must be ordered and supplied by providers and suppliers enrolled in Medicare. Medicare has strict requirements for suppliers, and they must have a Medicare supplier number, or Medicare will not pay.
Medicare coverage and payment for DMEPOS items can be complicated because there are so many types of equipment and devices available. For instance, there are more than five types of air mattress or bed overlays to prevent bedsores if you are confined to a bed. Your Medicare supplier should know what Medicare will pay for and what documentation is required from your physician.
In January 2021, Medicare established the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, which adjusts the amount Medicare pays for certain DMEPOS. Under this new program, suppliers submit bids to provide certain items and supplies to people with Original Medicare living in, or visiting, competitive bidding areas. Medicare uses these competitive bids to set the amount it pays for each item and only awards contracts to suppliers who are screened thoroughly. Currently, the only DMEPOS included in the program are off-the-shelf back and knee braces. If you have Original Medicare, you must get these braces from a contract supplier if you live in a competitive bidding area. Your supplier must accept the Medicare-approved charge.
Here are lists of what Medicare covers, separated into two categories: DME and supplies, and prosthetics and orthotics. Below each item is information about what is covered, what may be excluded from coverage, and your costs.
How Much Does Durable Medical Equipment Cost?
Most DMEPOS are covered under Part B. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (if your supplier accepts assignment) after you pay your annual deductible ($233 in 2022). Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:
- You may need to rent the equipment, for instance, a hospital bed or oxygen concentrator.
- You may need to buy the equipment, for instance, most prosthetics or orthotics.
- You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment, depending on your Medicare supplier.
Original Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Suppliers who participate in Medicare must accept assignments. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers aren’t enrolled, Medicare won’t pay the claims they submit. Find Medicare equipment and suppliers here.
If you have a Medigap plan to supplement Original Medicare, your costs for most DME items are covered after you meet your annual Part B deductible. Plans K and L pay a percentage of your Part B coinsurance up to an out-of-pocket max of $6,620 and $3,310 respectively in 2022. You must pay a monthly premium for a Medigap plan. If you don’t have a Medigap plan with Original Medicare, there is no limit on what you may spend for DME.
Medicare Advantage Plans must cover DME according to Medicare guidelines, but your cost-sharing will be different. You may have an annual deductible and pay either copays or coinsurance for DME. You must follow your plan’s rules regarding network providers and prior authorization requirements, or your plan may not pay. Medicare Advantage Plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare-covered items ($7,550 in-network, $11,300 for in-network and out-of-network combined in 2022).
What Are Your Options to Help Pay for Durable Medical Equipment?
Original Medicare plus Medigap
If you have a Medigap plan, your costs for Medicare-covered Part A and Part B services and supplies are more predictable. You pay the annual Part B deductible and your monthly Medigap premium. Most DME costs are covered. Find Medicare equipment and suppliers who accept Medicare assignments here. Visit Medicare’s site to find a Medigap plan available in your area.
Medicare Advantage Plan
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan as an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits, your DME is covered by your plan. Costs and copays vary, depending on your plan, but many offer standard DME at zero or low cost. You may pay a monthly premium and an annual deductible. Your DME options may be limited to in-network providers, and you may have to obtain prior authorizations before your plan will pay. Find out what your plan covers and what you pay in your plan’s Evidence of Coverage document.
Medicaid
If you qualify for Medicare and Medicaid due to low income and resources, Medicaid may help cover your DME costs. Contact your local State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Office to see if you are eligible for financial assistance.
Bidding
If you need a back or knee brace, you may have access to the lowest possible cost if you live in a competitive bidding area. The program may expand its reach and include different types of DME in the future.
Secondhand
Your community secondhand medical supply store. Many communities have medical equipment and supply stores where people can donate new or gently used items. These items are then resold at reasonable prices to people who need them and can’t afford retail.
Bones and Brain in Review was created for physicians and healthcare professionals who specialize in Physical and Neurological Medicine. Our editorial staff conducts monthly scans of over 80 peer review journals to summarize the best of the current literature.
- Nursing Home STRONG ECHO provides regular videoconferencing learning sessions for any healthcare professionals working in long term care. Nursing Home STRONG – Center for Older Adults (unthsc.edu)
- Geriatrics ECHO supports primary care providers in their efforts to care for older adults in the community through video conferencing sessions with case discussions. HSC Geriatrics ECHO – Center for Older Adults (unthsc.edu)
- Online education modules are available anytime for any interested health professional. Geriatric Continuing Education Modules – Center for Older Adults (unthsc.edu)
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Check the status of a disability application, print a benefit verification letter, request a replacement Social Security card and Medicare card and manage the benefits they already receive.
Create your personal my Social Security account today
A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive.
Open a my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount for convenient, secure access to many of Social Security’s online services from home or on the go. Watch this video for more information.
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Nursing interviews
Questions & how to answer them
Looking to land a rewarding job as a nurse?
Preparing answers to the most common nursing interview questions is a good place to start. Take a look at our guide and prepare well in advance!Looking to land a rewarding job as a nurse? Preparing answers to the most common nursing interview questions is a good place to start. Take a look at our guide and prepare well in advance!
The most common nursing interview questions and answers
First up, it’s one of the most open-ended nursing interview questions: “Tell me about yourself.” When the interviewer utters these four words, they want to know what makes you right for the job and what you plan to bring to the table.
While it’s most likely the first thing a recruiter will ask you, this question requires an in-depth yet concise answer. You don’t want to do a whole soapbox speech, but you do need to let the interviewer know that you have what it takes to succeed.
2. “What makes you a good nurse?”
You’ve answered one of the most difficult nursing interview questions. Now it’s time to showcase your passion for the sector. When a recruiter asks you what makes you a good nurse, they are really asking what motivates you. Highlight the core reason you chose this career, the caring attributes you have, and any special skills you’ve got under your belt. Don’t be afraid to throw in some anecdotes to back up any of your claims here.
3. “What are your strengths?”
When we talk about nursing job interview questions, it’s important not to overlook the generic ones. Chances are, the recruiter will throw in the odd “ what are your strengths ” question to get a general feel for you as an employee. Here’s your chance to toot your own horn. For every skill that you list, be sure to back it up with some supporting evidence.
If you want to stand out from the crowd — and you absolutely do — include your Unique Selling Point (USP). What do you have that other candidates do not? For instance, you may have an in-depth knowledge of maternity care or end-of-life care. Be specific here!
Go to website to see all of the questions and answers….
Use template Go to website
Each scholarship will award $5,000 to 10 students with the most compelling ideas for addressing some of the biggest challenges in healthcare.
- GoodRx Helps Equity in Pharmacy Scholarship
- For current or recently graduated pharmacy (PharmD) or pharmacy technician students (CPhT, PTCB)
- Applications open May 16 – June 27
- GoodRx Helps Future Black Physicians and Physician Associates Scholarship
- For current or recently graduated Black medical (MD, DO) or physician associate students (PA)
- Applications open June 1 – July 13
- GoodRx Helps Nurses for Change Scholarship
- For current or recently graduated nursing (LPN/LVN, ASN, BSN) or advanced degree nursing students (MSN, APRN, DNP)
- Applications open July 5 – August 15
Eligibility requirements for the scholarships:
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
- Self-identify as a person from an underrepresented population in the healthcare field
Students can visit www.goodrxhelps.org to learn more about and apply for the GoodRx Helps scholarships.
Amanda Kistler Scholarship Program (CDONA)
In order to promote the educational pursuits of our members in LTC nursing, and support the facilities where they work, the Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the awarding of up to ten (10) scholarships each year to qualified individuals who would like to further their education by becoming certified as a CDONA to positively impact your practice in Long Term Care Nursing.
This scholarship opportunity is available to NADONA licensed nurses, who want to become certified in order to advance their nursing practice. The certified nurse will use their knowledge to positively impact resident life.
Deadline: April 15, 2023
Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
This scholarship has been established in memory of Stephanie Carroll, long-time valued NADONA employee. It will be awarded to a nursing student enrolled in an accredited nursing program who has chosen Long Term Care or Geriatrics as their practice area after graduation. Nursing students in an undergraduate or graduate program are also eligible to apply for this scholarship. The following guidelines have been developed for this scholarship.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP IS April 15, 2023
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Podcast ~ Jan. 27, 2022 "A Spoonful of Sugar – Empty Bed Syndrome: The Impact of Staffing Shortages"
NADONA is proud to offer these great webinars. Increase your knowledge while getting needed CE as part of many states license requirements and requirement to renew certifications. These webinars may also be part of your corporations clinical ladders!
In order to receive CE for webinars, you must register individually and sign in to the webinar
Partners in Nurse Advancement
Our Mission
PharMerica is partnering with trail-blazing nurse leader organizations, including NADONA, to provide critical information and insights for DONs and Clinical Consultants for enhanced outcomes, care excellence, and a bright future for nurses.
Discover the Tools You Need to Succeed
- Leadership Interviews
- Webinars, Podcasts & Videos
- Timely Topics
- Best Practices
“Our partnership allows us to provide new resources, tools, and information along with additional insights from both DONs and Clinical Consultants for improved outcomes and care excellence. Through this relationship, we can deliver extra value that sends a strong message to our membership that we’re taking care of them.”
– Sherrie Dornberger, Executive Director – NADONA
PharMerica Past Webinar Series
Recording of Webinar ~ Sept. 20, 2022 "Part 1: CMS Phase 3 Guidance: 4-part Webinar Series"
Recording of Webinar ~ Sept. 27, 2022 "Part 2: CMS Phase 3 Guidance: Quality of Care, Behavioral Health Services, and Food and Nutrition"
Recording of Webinar ~ Oct. 4, 2022 "Part 3: CMS Phase 3 Guidance: Infection Control, Pharmacy Services, Quality of Life, and Physician Services"
Recording of Webinar ~ Oct. 11, 2022 "Part 4: CMS Phase 3 Guidance: QAPI, Compliance and Ethics Program, Physical Environment, and Nursing Services"
Recording of Webinar ~ Oct. 18, 2022 "Part 5: CMS Phase 3 Guidance: Behavioral Health Services; and Food and Nutrition"
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Recording of Webinar ~ Aug. 3, 2022 "All Aboard! Staying on Track to Optimize Psychotropic Medications"
FAQs from Webinar ~ Aug. 3, 2022 "All Aboard! Staying on Track to Optimize Psychotropic Medications"
Recording of Webinar ~ July 21, 2022 "More MDS coordinators are walking the floor. Is that a costly mistake?"
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PharMerica Past Webinar Series
Recording of Webinar ~ Jan. 10, 2023 "Part 1: The Four Ds of Narcotics"
FAQs of Webinar ~ Jan. 10, 2023 "Part 1: The Four Ds of Narcotics"
Recording of Webinar ~ Feb. 7, 2023 "Part 2: Developing a Strategic Approach for IV Therapy"
FAQs of Webinar ~ Feb. 7, 2023 "Part 2: Developing a Strategic Approach for IV Therapy"
Therapy Guide ~ Feb. 7, 2023 "Part 2: Developing a Strategic Approach for IV Therapy"
