Skilled Nursing Care Sessions Overview

1. Patient Education:

• Educate patients and their families on health conditions, treatment plans, and medications.

• Provide guidance on managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

• Teach patients about preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care techniques.

• Explain discharge instructions and follow-up care requirements.

2. Administering Medications and Treatments:

• Administer prescribed medications, including oral, intravenous, and topical treatments.

• Monitor and manage patient reactions to medications, noting side effects and reporting to physicians as needed.

• Perform basic treatments such as wound care, catheter insertion, and dressing changes.

• Administer vaccinations and other preventative treatments as required.

• Ensure medication adherence by educating patients about the correct usage and potential side effects.

3. Monitoring and Recording Patient Progress:

• Regularly monitor patients’ progress by checking vital signs, assessing symptoms, and documenting changes in condition.

• Track and record treatment outcomes, interventions, and patient responses in medical charts.

• Report any significant changes in the patient’s condition to the healthcare provider promptly.

• Update care plans based on ongoing assessments and patient progress.

4. Providing Direct Patient Care:

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) for patients who need help, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming.

• Provide comfort care to patients, including pain management and emotional support.

• Perform physical assessments, including range of motion exercises and mobility assistance.

• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families, especially in difficult or end-of-life situations.

5. Supervising and Mentoring:

• Supervise and mentor nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and other healthcare staff.

• Provide guidance on proper care practices and assist in developing their clinical skills.

• Ensure adherence to nursing standards, protocols, and regulations.

• Offer support and training to new nurses or student nurses.

6. Emergency Care and Crisis Management:

• Respond to medical emergencies, providing immediate care and stabilizing patients.

• Perform life-saving procedures such as CPR, first aid, or defibrillation when necessary.

• Manage emergency medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, ventilators) and use it appropriately.

• Act quickly in critical situations to prevent complications or adverse outcomes.

7. Collaborating with Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, social workers, and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care.

• Share insights and updates on patient status and contribute to case discussions and care planning.

• Participate in team meetings to review patient cases, progress, and discharge plans.

8. Maintaining a Safe and Clean Environment:

• Ensure patient safety by following proper protocols and infection control procedures.

• Administer sterile techniques during procedures, and maintain a clean and safe environment for patients.

• Monitor the healthcare setting for any safety hazards and address concerns promptly.

• Ensure proper disposal of medical waste and biohazard materials.

9. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date patient records, including medical history, treatments, and observations.

• Ensure that all documentation complies with healthcare regulations, confidentiality laws (e.g., HIPAA), and facility policies.

• Prepare reports for physicians, insurance companies, and other medical staff as required.

10. Advocacy and Patient Rights:

• Advocate for the rights and well-being of patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.

• Ensure that patients' preferences, values, and cultural considerations are respected in their care plans.

• Provide resources and support to patients and families for making informed healthcare decisions.

11. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention:

• Promote healthy lifestyles by educating patients on diet, exercise, stress management, and preventive health screenings.

• Help with community outreach programs to improve public health and educate people on disease prevention.

• Conduct screenings for common health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) and provide preventive care advice.