joyfulljen

FAST can be used for Alzheimer's and 'generic' dementia. Alzheimer's disease pts must be ordinal. However, other dementias do not have to be ordinal. One very important thing to be sure of though, is the pt unable to ambulate due to dementia processes, or other reasons, such as weakness. There are lots of articles on the internet about it's use. Reisburg (the creator of the tool) has several articles on it's proper use.

We did this for my pinning--we have 'Queen of 'Code Browns'!

What kind of nurse are you? You sound like one who cares deeply about the pt and wants to see real comfort provided for those you care for even if others cannot see it that way. I also get frustrated about the whole 'starve to death' drama. I wish we could do better educating the public and some of the medical community about changes that occur as a body is dying, where the body's need for food decreases. Keep up the great work and don't be discouraged! Consider these challenges as opportunites to educate! :)

I am working on a productivity team to determine agency expectations for casemanagers visits. I was wondering if anyone has any kind of 'acuity tool' they use to determine staff (RN, SW, Chaplain) weekly pt visits. We are hoping to take into consideration things such as travel time and wound care, ect to give the staff managable and realistic caseloads. Some nurses have a high number of nursing home pts that take less time than a pt that lives 45 miles from the office. Thanks for any suggestions!