Re: Nursing rehab

[Gail Neustadt]

Delores, I completely agree with you.There are very few programs that include communication or for that matter ADls except for toileting. Restorative communication programs will obviously be social in nature and as such, the best folks to carry out theses individualized or group programs (no more than 5 in a group) are the folks in activities. This can be done as long as it remains under the supervision of the licensed nurse and is properly documented. Additionally, if you go with the RNA concept, be certain to NEVER pull them to the floor for regular CNA duties. I also have established a different approach - I do not label the trained CNA an RNA, but rather an RNM which stands for Restorative Nurse Mentor. These "mentors" maintain a reasonable caseload and when a resident is stabilized on the program, trains the floor CNA who then becomes a "restorative nursing assistant" or floor RNA. As the floor CNAs become trained and carry out their duties with appropriate documentation, they are awarded with pins or prizes of some nature. Also, this prevents the inevitable expansion of the caseload which may then become too unweildly. Hope this helps.   Gail Neustadt, NHA      ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 11:19 PM Subject: Re: Nursing rehab I agree with Corey.  I see NO nursing rehab program that offers ALL of the services listed on the MDS for this section.  I am very disappointed that I have not seen one communication program.  One of my clients started a great program that included TV, reading, poetry, library access, ice cream socials, cocktail parties, dances and pets.  The Health Department complained that one of the dogs had an accident in the hall and made so much fuss threatening a citation that the facility got rid of the entire program. So much for the Health Department making a difference in the quality of care, they sure do-negative. Delores For some reason, this entire concept really bothers me.  I truly believe that the term "Nursing rehab" should be just that: a nursing rehabilitation program, not a program done only by just a few aides. Delores L. Galias, RN, RHIT STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify D. Galias, RN, RHIT immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments.  Thank you for your cooperation