In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Mandy Curtis and Gwen Wilburn interview Linda Novak, a Nurse Consultant with PharMerica, about medication management in assisted living communities. They discuss the challengs and best practices for medication administration, the impact of polypharmacy on older adults, and the role of a a pharmacy nurse consultant in mitigating medication risks. Linda emphasizes the importance of education, accountability, and building a strong team to ensure safe medication practices.

Nurse to Nurse by AALNA is sponsored by TIM - a leading provider of clinically proven incontinence management solutions for older adults.

On this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Mandy and Gwen are joined by JoAnne Carlin, Senior Vice President of Clinical Risk for Marsh McClennan Insurance Brokers to discuss common clinical risks encountered in assisted living and how nurses can effectively identify and address them. JoAnne emphasizes the importance of a culture of safety and how it benefits the entire team, not just residents. She also discusses the concept of acuity creep and provides advice on managing higher acuity with maintaining resident safety. JoAnne highlights the significance of a growth mindset in nursing leadership and suggests ways to foster growth and development within teams.


Nurse to Nurse by AALNA is sponsored by TIM - a leading provider of clinically proven incontinence management solutions for older adults.

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Mandy and Gwen talk with Rebecca Adelman, founder of Adelman Law Firm, about legal considerations in assisted living. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of risk awareness, documentation and assessments in daily practice. She also highlights the need for effectice communication and setting realistic expectations with residents and their families. Rebecca mentions recent legal developments, including increased oversight, infection control, and emergency preparedness regulations. Rebecca encourages nurses to stay informed about state regulations and to prioritize education and training.

Nurse to Nurse by AALNA is sponsored by TIM - Total Incontinence Management, a leading provider of a clinically proven incontinence management program for older adults.

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Mandy Curtis and Gwen Wilburn interview LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), about the transformation occurring within the assisted living industry and the role of nurses in providing quality care.

Takeaways

• Assisted living nurses play a vital role in providing quality care and advocating for the needs of residents.
• Regulations in assisted living should be based on an understanding of the work done in the industry and should consider the diverse needs of residents.
• Population health management is becoming increasingly important in assisted living, with a focus on improving outcomes and reducing costs.
• NCAL offers resources and support for nurses, including online communities and tools for infection control, survey preparedness and falls prevention.
• Nurses considering a career in assisted living should familiarize themselves with regulations, develop strong communication skills, build a support system, and a enhance their assessment skills.

Nurse to Nurse is brought to listeners by TIM - Total Dry Incontinence Management. All statements are the view of the speakers and are not representative of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association.

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Mandy and Gwen interview Deb Choma, a nurse leader, board member and membership director for the American Assisted Living Nurses Association (AALNA). Deb shares her background in nursing and her passion for working in assisted living. She discusses the importance of state leaders and state chapters in AALNA, and how they can support and advocate for assisted living nurses. Deb emphasizes the need for strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship among nurses in the field. She also highlights the upcoming AALNA annual conference and the focus on high-quality education and skills training for assisted living nurses.

Key Takeaways

• State leaders and state chapters play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for assisted living nurses.
• Effective communication and collaboration among nurses is essential for providing quality care in assisted living communities.
• Mentorship and ongoing education are important for the professional development of assisted living nurses.
• The AALNA annual conference July 12-13, 2024 in Las Vegas provides a valuable opportunity for assisted living nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge.

In this pilot episode of the Nurse to Nurse podcast, hosts Mandy Curtis, MSN RN and Gwen Wilburn, RN MBA interview Cal Groeneweg, RN from AALNA (American Assisted Living Nurses Association). They discus the history and mission of AALNA, the changes in assisted living over the years, and how AALNA supports the needs of assisted living nurses. They also talk about AALNA's partnerships with other associations and organizations, the promotion of evidence-based practice and continous learning, and the importance of self-care for nurses. The episode concludes with a discussion on AALNA's annual conference July 2024 and final thoughts from Cal.