AlixCoastRN

Latest Activity

1. Culture Shock! Hospital to LTC..

   AlixCoastRN replied to Michigan_Rose_RN's topic in Geriatric

   After 6 years working LTC, I am leaving it next month to go to workas a staff nurse on med/surg at and 80 bed hospital. I was the manager for the skilled unit, and the hospital did not think the transition back to acute care would be difficult. I wil...

2. Looking For A Change Maybe Ltc?

   AlixCoastRN replied to gladtobeOB's topic in Geriatric

   I am considering doing the opposite - getting out of long term care. Between corporate interference, new regs (still haven't seen anything on co. policy for the new incontinence regs), new forms, more paperwork, less time with residents I am no a ver...

3. Care plans...what is and isn't necessary

   AlixCoastRN replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in Geriatric

   I care plan psychotropics, antidepressants, pain meds, coumadin (and the like) and use a temp care plan for antibiotics. This isn't one care plan for each - I usually put the pain in with the ADL, psycho and antidepressants in with mood/behavior - li...

4. a question about MRSA

   AlixCoastRN replied to dinkymouse's topic in Geriatric

   We have a res right now with MRSA in his blood and sputum. Last sputum culture a week ago was positive for 2 colonies. He is in a private room - resp precautions. We will be doing another sputum next week to see if he is still colonizing or not. And ...

5. Modern Facilities

   AlixCoastRN replied to CoffeeRTC's topic in Geriatric

   We dont' have computerized charting, lab results by computer or bladder scanners - we are starting to replace our crank beds with electric at the rate of 2 per month. (that alone will take about 2.5 years!) We do have automated lifts, using a wound v...

6. MDS Coordinator Salaries

   AlixCoastRN replied to Nascar nurse's topic in Geriatric

   Thanks Talino - sounds like a fair system to me - better than the flat rate Oregon pays - altho it means more assessments. Oh well, can't have everything.

7. MDS Coordinator Salaries

   AlixCoastRN replied to Nascar nurse's topic in Geriatric

   I've never heard of TILEs before either - except those you put on the floor or play scrabble with :chuckle As a Resident Care Manager with over 5 years experience, I input and schedule the MDS, write the care plan, ensure the care is delivered accor...

8. Complaint Survey Today

   AlixCoastRN replied to AlixCoastRN's topic in Geriatric

   Well, its over. The complaints were unsubstantiated. I am worn out.

9. Thinking About Becoming a Nurse...

   AlixCoastRN replied to wndsrfnurse's topic in Oregon

   Congrats - its a lot of work but fun and worth it in the long run. I believe the nursing schools in oregon require a CNA license before being admitted to the program. Becoming a CNA will really open your eyes to what being a nurse entails, since you ...

10. Complaint Survey Today

    AlixCoastRN posted a topic in Geriatric

    2 compalint surveyers for the state walked in this morning during stand up. Of course we dont' know what the complaint is about. I have been thru surveys with both of the folks, so at least that is a known. Anyway, the bummer of the whole thing is th...

11. Anchorage

    AlixCoastRN replied to Blackbird's topic in Alaska

    I'm and ADN nurse who graduated from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. They also have a BSN program. There are 4 hospitals in Anchorage and surrounding areas: Elmendorf Air Force Base has a hospital - Air Force nurses I believe. Alaska Native Me...

12. AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!! More new CMS guidelines!

    AlixCoastRN replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in Geriatric

    We haven't even heard a peep out of our company regarding the new guidelines - hence, no policy and procedure from the corporate weenies on implementation! I found all the info - thanks to my fellow posters here - (thanks guys) and gave them to our D...

13. Patient to staff ratio

    AlixCoastRN replied to bluesunfish1980's topic in Geriatric

    I also work in oregon - as an RCM. Staffing ratios for res to cnas are: Days - 10 to 1, Eves - 15 to 1, Nights - 25to 1. These ratios are outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules. As far as nurses go, I dont believe that there are any set rules - ...

14. Sending residents to the ER without a doctor's order.

    AlixCoastRN replied to Blackcat99's topic in Geriatric

    I have no problem with sending someone to the ER without the MD order - I will attempt to call the MD as a courtesy to let him or her know what has been going on. If there is any question at all, no matter the code status, I will ask the resident ( i...

15. staffing on nights

    AlixCoastRN replied to donmomofnine's topic in Geriatric

    We have about 47 residents right now - staffing is one RN (charge nurse) and 3 CNAs. We have 3 halls unevenly distributed with residents.