There are lots of examples of time wasted on various activities, events, reports, etc. Beating these dead horses serves no useful purpose in fixing problems or brainstorming new solutions. We must be ever vigilant to recognize when this waste of effort is occurring, take a moment to learn from our mistakes and to instead forge forward as a unified team. Hear some ideas for backing new horses!

Taking the tough action doesn't have to be relegated to one “bad guy” or manager. However, most often the toughest actions involve other human beings and as such, are unfortunately handled in just that way. Instead, we can again engage teaming to make this task not only more palatable but also to share in the responsibility of the success of the chosen direction of the action. Today, Clint shares his ideas on team-based tough actions.

Whether your facility operates as a for-profit or a not-for-profit, there is still a need for profit, even if only to keep up with inflation. The availability of excess revenue goes a long way to assist in new growth, facility/staff investment, acquisition of additional funding, etc. Even a not-for-profit needs a cushion for that rainy day. Listen in for some tips on the usefulness of profit.

Dealing with pressure sores, like so many other aspects of healthcare, is best dealt with using teams. When you take a proactive team approach to preventing and fixing pressure sores, rather than reacting late (or worse yet, causing them) then it can become a goal to track, a measure of success and a further means of driving total team care integration.

Even though the nursing unit for the most part plays “home games” in relation to their patients/residents, most of the rest of the staff play “away games”. That being said, ultimately both teams must play collaboratively to successfully manage the care of the patient and maximize the efficiency of the facility. Learn how to take the “home field advantage” and use it to everyone’s benefit!

Transitional units are a fascinating part of the long term care continuum that provide many benefits for both the patient and the facility/staff. It is important that they be treated as a discreet portion of the facility as it needs to be a location for hope, where patients can see daily progress toward a transitional goal. Likewise, staff and processes associated with this branch need to be tailored to its specialized tasks/needs. Learn how these can benefit your facility today!

It is important to seriously consider and question the use of various drugs/medications (especially psychotropics) with certain patients in many situations. For instance, former physical restraints should not be replaced with new chemical ones. In following with the Care Crowd Creed, if “Customers Are Great”, are we treating them with respect and care, or are we simply medicating them to make our caregiving tasks easier. Listen in to this important topic!

All Staff Meetings often evoke feelings of dread in employees (and admins too sometimes!) - what tactics are available to make this necessary task not only more palatable to the meeting participants, but more fun and productive as well? This is a chance to move an organization to a new level. Here are some tips for making the most of this opportunity.

As the healthcare system begins addressing an overhaul of its costs, processes, accountabilities, etc., one area available for closer examination is medical-surgical units and the costs associated with recovery at the hospital vs a long term care facility. As the government looks for ways to reduce costs and complexity, this is perhaps one aspect where long term care facilities may realize opportunities for growth as these are migrated away from more costly hospital stays.

A small amount of worrying can be healthy, especially when you are concerned with closing loops. attending to details and following through on matters where the well-being of yourself or others is at stake. However, when worrying gets out of hand and becomes paralyzing or impeding of progress, it can be highly detrimental. Here are some tips to recognize and deal with this affliction.