Life Care operates more than 200 skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement living communities, home care services, and Alzheimer's centers.
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Nursing skills check gets dressed up for autumn at Life Care Center of Ocala
Posted on Friday, October 23, 2009
Haystacks, pumpkins, candy and spooky décor in the main dining room set a fall atmosphere to a special event at Life Care Center of Ocala, Fla., as the facility held its first Nurses Skills-check Day on Oct. 8, 2009.
The decorations may have been eye-catching, but it was the nurses who were the main attraction of the day-long event. Weeks of planning, organizing, painting of signs and coordinating of associates’ schedules led up to the skills-check.
As a way to try to take the mundane out of skills review and The Joint Commission’s required competency check-off sheets, Director of Nursing Adele Anahory and the nurse management team decided to take a day to combine the education with fun.
“The nurses had a blast,” said Anahory. “It’s a fun and exciting way to teach, educate and honor the associates.”
Individual skill-check booths were set up to help associates review their skills. Areas covered included IVs, wound care, tube feeding, mechanical lift use, infection control, documentation procedures and labs. As the nurses completed the tasks correctly, they received candy and moved on to the next booth.
“Associates took turns pretending to be patients,” said Janice Cericola, executive director. “Some of the nurses commented on how the experience reminded them of their school days, practicing and learning their skills on one another.”
As appreciation to the residents for allowing the nurses to use the dining room, the fall display offered a photo opportunity for the residents. They could then have their photos printed for them to keep.
The facility is planning a similar skills day for the certified nursing assistants, to take place in December with a winter theme.
About Life Care Center of Ocala
Residents at Life Care Center of Ocala enjoy Florida's natural beauty as well as the benefits of quality nursing care. Residents also enjoy a home-like atmosphere with dedicated staff and individualized senior health care that assists in maintaining a maximum level of independence. Attractively landscaped courtyards allow nursing home residents to spend time alone or with friends and loved ones in a comfortable setting. The facility also provides residents with inpatient, outpatient, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
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