New Rn Unit Manager (long term care)

[idobelieve]

Any help is greatly appreciated. I am trying to prepare for the next state survey but where should I begin to start cleaning up the mess left by the last unit manager?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

First get a copy of the last survey and plan of correction. Make sure that what y'all said would happen, actually happened. See if there are audit tools you need to use or come up with some of your own.Make rounds on every resident every day. Are they well groomed? Is the call bell in reach? Do they have access to water? Is their wheel chair clean? Is the care plan being followed? Are they having pain? Do they have any complaints or concerns?Once you've gotten that far, start chart audits: care plans up to date? Assessments done correctly and on time? All labs dealt with? All orders signed?First impressions count for surveyors. If during their initial tour of your unit, the residents look good, you've started off on the right foot.

[idobelieve]

Wow! Thank you for your help and I will begin these things in the morning. I just want to do my best to the Glory of God. Any other pointers you may have please send them too me because I am eager to learn and hunger for knowledge in doing a good job. Thank you so very much.

[cwgrlup85, ASN, RN]

I too am a new unit director of a dementia unit. I made it through my first survey recently without any deficiencies! Hopefully your staff is well seasoned and know what to expect when DPH is there. I know I have my staff to thank for our great survey results. I would focus on all the things that CapCod suggested. Then I would make a list of the things that need some attention and have frequent unit meetings on survey readiness to help prepare your staff. At least that is what I did and it does help. Some additional suggestions: make sure call lights are being answered in a timely fashion as well as door alarms being responded to. Frequent rounding on your unit will help you notice the problem areas. Maybe even a manager from another unit or department could do a "mock survey" for you. That has been helpful to us in the past as well.

[idobelieve]

Thank you for the additional information. I will immediately begin performing these things also. Please feel free to give anything else you can think of. I am really concerned and my unit to be on top of things.