Geri-Res

Module 1: Role of the Clinical Coach

The Clinical Coach model for education has a long history dating back to the time of Florence Nightingale. Clinical Coaches serve as role models, educators, and socializers. Serving as resources and role models in one-to-one relationships, Clinical Coaches help socialize RN Residents to the nursing role through direct involvement in the teaching-learning process.

• Clinical Coaches:
  • Partner with RN Residents to determine and modify learning needs and goals
  • Facilitate opportunities for safe and effective nurse resident practice
  • Provide RN Residents with feedback regarding clinical progress
  • Serve as professional role models by demonstrating and implementing nursing practice in long term care
  • Provide RN Residents with a socialization experience

Module 2: What Clinical Coaches Should Know about New Long Term Care Nurses
Module Objectives:

• • • Discuss the readiness of new nurse hires to begin long term care practice
    • Define strengths and limitations of the long term care setting that may support or hinder success of the new nurse hired in your organization
    • Identify strategies to develop a supportive environment for nurses new to your organization

Module 3: Adult Learning: How New Nurses Learn
Module Objectives:

• • • List three characteristics that are unique to adult learning
    • Describe strategies to effectively teach adult learners
    • List factors that facilitate nurse and those that limit learning and knowledge transfer

Module 4: Helping New Nurses Learn Clinical Knowledge and Expertise
Module Objectives:

• • • Describe the concepts and importance of clinical grasp and clinical forethought.
    • List the nursing transition phases as described by Benner, Tanner and colleagues.
    • Describe strategies to teach new nurses to become strong nurse colleagues.

Module 5: Helping New Nurses Learn Clinical Judgement
Module Objectives:

• • • Define the key components of clinical judgment.
    • Describe examples of how a new nurse demonstrates advanced clinical judgment.
    • Reflect on your own case examples where clinical judgment enhanced your clinical practice.

Module 6: Helping RN Residents Learn Interdisciplinary Practice
Module Objectives:

• • • Understand the importance of the Clinical Coach role in promoting interdisciplinary practice (IDP)
    • Identify key components of effective interdisciplinary health professions practice
    • Identify when it is important for nurses to initiate interdisciplinary collaboration
    • Identify strategies to promote RN Resident learning interdisciplinary practice skills in the long term care setting

Module 7: Providing Feedback to New Nurses
Module Objectives:

• • • • State the importance of the Clinical Coach providing feedback
      • List a variety of effective methods for providing feedback
      • Discuss strategies for assessing whether feedback with the RN Resident has been effective

 

Module 1: Intro to Long Term Care
Module Objectives:

• Describe some of the recent changes in nursing home care;
• List the types of long term care services available and the general profile of people needing these services;
• Discuss how legislation affects long term care residents;
• Identify the nurse’s many roles in long term care;
• Describe the required skills and knowledge base for the long term care nurse;
• Explain the quality assurance mechanisms used in long term care; and
• Discuss financial issues impacting long term care residents, services, and organizations.

 

Module 2: Resident Quality of Life
Module Objectives:

• Describe the legal and personal rights of the resident;
• Define the multiple components of resident quality of life;
• Summarize how care practices can interfere with resident quality of life; and
• Discuss how to implement practices that support resident quality of life.

 

Module 3: Communicating with the Team
Module Objectives:

• Describe why effective communication in long term care nursing is vital;
• Identify communication skills and tools to use with CNAs and other health care providers to improve teamwork and care quality; and
• Use communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

 

Module 4: Communicating with Families
Module Objectives:

• Hear and appreciate what family members say without becoming defensive;
• Understand where some family conflicts and concerns originate and how families evaluate quality of care;
• Identify several strategies to overcome barriers and develop positive, collaborative relationships with family members;
• Understand how families evaluate the quality of care;
• Describe some of the areas in which both family and staff describe themselves to be primarily responsible;
• Advocate for family members and residents where appropriate; and
• Support family members in areas of concern.

 

Module 5: Cultural Diversity
Module Objectives:

• Have a better understanding of how life course and culture shape experiences and circumstances throughout one’s life.
• Be able to identify how culture and history influence a person’s perspective and experience.
• Have increased awareness of how personal experiences and circumstances influence work and life within long term care settings.
• Know how to apply the principles of person-centered care to engage staff and residents in supporting a culturally competent environment.

 

Module 6: Sensory Changes
Module Objectives:

• Describe normal age-related changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, and peripheral sensation experienced as a result of the aging process;
• Identify factors that can lead to excess disability; and
• Select interventions to assist with sensory challenges

 

Module 7: Skin Health
Module Objectives:

• Articulate normal versus abnormal variations is skin health in older adults;
• Care for aging skin;
• Understand the effective systems and strategies for monitoring skin health in the nursing home setting;
• Describe evidence-based approaches to treating common skin abnormalities; and
• List situations where referral to a skin and/or wound specialist is indicated.

 

Module 8: Pharmacological Considerations
Module Objectives:

• Describe how age-related physiologic changes and pathologies common in older adults impact medication absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion;
• Identify risk factors for Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) in older adults;
• Explain how polypharmacology impacts risk for adverse effects;
• Recognize medications that are potentially harmful for older adults; and
• Implement strategies to enhance the safety and efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for older adults.

 

Module 9: Geriatric Nutrition
Module Objectives:

• List three physical signs of malnutrition and when to refer to a registered dietitian (RD);
• Name two risk factors for dehydration in frail older adults;
• Identify signs and symptoms of chewing and swallowing difficulty, when to refer to other professionals, and how to identify appropriate interventions;
• List goals of diabetes management for older adults in long term care settings; and
• Describe the changes in appetite during the dying process.

 

Module 10: End of Life Care
Module Objectives:

• Identify signs of general decline in residents approaching end of life;
• Utilize the FAST tool to assess and document a resident’s stage of dementia;
• Implement non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for symptoms of discomfort;
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, and other professionals at resident end of life and ease the end-of-life processes for the resident; and
• Differentiate among types of advance directives.

 

Module 11: Urinary Incontinence
Module Objectives:

• Recognize the risk factors for UI;
• Distinguish the various types of UI based on symptom history;
• Assess continence status;
• Determine the cause of UI in older adults; and
• Design and implement individualized plans of care.

 

Module 12: Cognitive Impairment
Module Objectives:

• Define how normal age-related changes, dementia, and delirium differ;
• Identify early changes in mental status;
• Conduct a mental status assessment;
• Describe nursing interventions to manage delirium; and
• Describe nursing interventions to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

 

Module 13: Depression in Older Adults
Module Objectives:

• Recognize common symptoms and atypical presentation of depression;
• Administer and interpret two common screening tools used for depression in older adults with and without dementia;
• Assess the risk for suicide; and
• Learn about different treatment options that have demonstrated efficacy in older adult populations.

 

Module 14: Pain
Module Objectives:

• Identify the adverse consequences of untreated pain;
• Use and interpret pain assessment tools for both the cognitively intact and the cognitively impaired;
• Understand the risks and effectiveness of medications and other treatment options; and
• Identify appropriate pain management and treatment strategies.

 

Module 15: Maintaining Mobility
Module Objectives:

• Recognize the types and risks of limited mobility and the five levels of physical function;
• Use evidence-based tools and measures to accurately assess mobility status;
• Demonstrate competency in selection and use of assistive devices and proper footwear;
• Identify falls risk factors, long term care residents at risk of falls, and interventions to prevent falls;
• Discuss the issues concerning the use of restraints and alarms; and
• Effectively collaborate with direct care workers (DCWs) to identify and implement strategies for maximizing resident mobility.

 

Module 16: Change in Condition and Care Planning
Module Objectives:

• Describe both obvious and subtle presentations of change in condition
• Complete an effective assessment that identifies pertinent signs and symptoms related to condition changes
• Understand how to effectively communicate condition changes to health care providers such as physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners
• Work effectively with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to identify and respond to resident condition changes

 

Module 1: Introduction to Long Term Care

Module Objectives:

• Describe some of the recent changes in nursing home care
• List the types of Long Term Care services available and the general profile of people needing these services
• Discuss how legislation affects Long Term Care residents
• Understand the relationship between the registered nurse (RN) and the licensed practical nurse (LPN)/ licensed vocational nurse (LVN) role in LTC
• Describe the required skills and knowledge base for the Long Term Care nurse
• Explain the quality assurance mechanisms used in Long Term Care
• Discuss financial issues impacting Long Term Care residents, services, and organizations

Module 2: Resident Quality of Life

Module Objectives:

• Describe the legal and personal rights of the resident;
• Define the multiple components of resident quality of life;
• Summarize how care practices can interfere with resident quality of life; and
• Discuss how to implement practices that support resident quality of life.

Module 3: Communicating with the Team

Module Objectives:

• Describe why effective communication in LTC nursing is vital;
• Identify communication skills and tools to use with CNAs and other healthcare providers to improve teamwork and care quality; and
• Implement communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Module 4: Communicating with Families

Module Objectives:

• Hear and appreciate what family members say and be less likely to become defensive;
• Understand where some family conflicts and concerns originate and how families evaluate quality of care;
• Identify several strategies to overcome barriers and develop positive, collaborative relationships with family members;
• List some of the areas in which both family and staff describe themselves as primarily responsible;
• Advocate for family members and residents where appropriate; and
• Support family members in areas of concern.

Module 5: Cultural Diversity

Module Objectives:

• Describe how life course and culture shape experiences and circumstances throughout one’s life.
• Identify how culture and history influence a person’s perspective and experience.
• Discuss how personal experiences and circumstances influence work and life within LTC settings.
• Apply the principles of person-centered care to engage staff and residents in supporting a culturally competent environment. This includes ways of:
  • Getting to know resident and staff preferences, customs, and beliefs;
  • Empowering residents and staff;
  • Building mutual respect; and
  • Building and supporting teams.

Module 6: Sensory Changes

Module Objectives:

• Describe normal age-related changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, and peripheral sensation experienced as a result of the aging process;
• Identify factors that can lead to excess disability; and
• Select interventions to assist with sensory challenges.

Module 7: Skin

Module Objectives:

• Articulate normal versus abnormal variations in skin health in older adults;
• Demonstrate effective care for aging skin;
• Discuss the effective systems and strategies for monitoring skin health in the nursing home setting;
• Describe evidence-based approaches to treating common skin abnormalities; and
• List situations where referral to an RN and/ or wound specialist is indicated.

Module 8:  Pharmacological Considerations

Module Objectives:

• Describe how age-related physiologic changes and pathologies common in older adults affect medication absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion;
• Identify risk factors for Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) in older adults;
• Explain how polypharmacology affects risk for adverse effects;
• Discuss medications that are potentially harmful for older adults; and
• Implement strategies to enhance the safety and efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for older adults.

Module 9: Nutrition

Module Objectives:

• List three physical signs of malnutrition and when to refer to a registered dietitian (RD);
• Name two risk factors for dehydration in frail older adults;
• Identify signs and symptoms of chewing and swallowing difficulty, when to refer to other professionals, and how to identify appropriate interventions;
• List goals of diabetes management for older adults in LTC settings; and
• Describe the changes in appetite during the dying process.

Module 10: End of Life Care

Module Objectives:

• List three physical signs of malnutrition and when to refer to a registered dietitian (RD);
• Name two risk factors for dehydration in frail older adults;
• Identify signs and symptoms of chewing and swallowing difficulty, when to refer to other professionals, and how to identify appropriate interventions;
• List goals of diabetes management for older adults in LTC settings; and
• Describe the changes in appetite during the dying process.

Module 11: Urinary Incontinence

Module Objectives:

• Recognize the risk factors for UI;
• Distinguish the various types of UI based on symptom history;
• Gather relevant data regarding resident continence status;
• Determine the cause of UI in older adults; and
• Collaborate with RNs and implement individualized plans of care.

Module 12: Cognitive Impairment

Module Objectives:

• Define how normal age-related changes, dementia, and delirium differ;
• Identify early changes in mental status;
• Gather relevant data to assist in the completion of a mental status assessment;
• Describe nursing interventions to manage delirium; and
• Explain nursing interventions to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

Module 13: Pain

Module Objectives:

• Identify the adverse consequences of untreated pain;
• Use and interpret pain tools for both the cognitively intact and the cognitively impaired;
• Describe the risks and effectiveness of medications and other treatment options; and
• Identify appropriate pain management and treatment strategies.

Module 14: Depression

Module Objectives:

• Recognize common symptoms and atypical presentation of depression;
• Administer and interpret two common screening tools used for depression in older adults with and without dementia;
• Gather relevant data regarding the risk for suicide; and
• Discuss different treatment options that have demonstrated efficacy in older adult populations.

Module 15: Maintaining Mobility

Module Objectives:

• Recognize the types and risks of limited mobility and the five levels of physical functioning;
• Use evidence-based tools and measures to accurately conduct observations and gather relevant data of a resident’s mobility status;
• Demonstrate competency in selection and use of assistive devices and proper footwear;
• Identify falls risk factors, LTC residents at risk of falls, and interventions to prevent falls;
• Discuss the issues concerning the use of restraints and alarms; and
• Effectively collaborate with CNAs to identify and implement strategies for maximizing resident mobility.

Module 16: Change in Condition/Care Planning

Module Objectives:

• Describe both obvious and subtle presentations of change in condition;
• Effectively gather relevant information that captures pertinent signs and symptoms related to condition changes;
• Effectively communicate condition changes to health care providers such as physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners; and
• Work effectively with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to identify and respond to resident condition changes

NEW! Optional Module: Infection Control

Module Objectives:

• Differentiate between colonization and infection;
• Incorporate the five moments of hand hygiene into providing safe resident care;
• Describe the relationship between standard precautions and asepsis;
• Identify the correct isolation precaution category for common infectious diseases;
• Describe the relationships among antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and the development of multiple resistant organisms; and
• Demonstrate safe injection practices to reduce the threat of transmitting infectious diseases.

NEW! Optional Module: QAPI

Module Objectives:

• Understand the QAPI process and your organization’s QAPI Plan;
• Know the importance of root cause analysis in the prevention of and response to adverse resident events;
• Describe the five elements of the QAPI program and their significance; and
• Understand how to participate in the QAPI process.

Module 1: Introduction to Assisted Living

Module Objectives:

• Relate the recent history of AL;
• Provide a profile of AL residents;
• Describe the legislative rules that govern AL care;
• Address the nurse’s role in AL; and
• Introduce the nurse’s scope of practice and delegation considerations.

Module 2: Resident Quality of Life
Module Objectives:

• Address quality of life concerns that are important to AL residents;
• Describe how care practices could interfere with residents having the best possible quality of life; and
• Present care planning techniques to improve resident well-being and quality of life.

Module 3: Communicating with the Team
Module Objectives:

• Offer ways to convey information to other health care providers;
• Share strategies for effective listening and communicating; and
• Present solutions for common communication issues.

Module 4: Communicating with Families
Module Objectives:

• Discuss the various perspectives, concerns, and priorities of family members with older relatives in AL;
• Highlight the benefits of quality communications with family members;
• Relate the common challenges to forming effective partnerships; and
• Offer best techniques for involving families in care and managing sensitive issues.

Module 5: Cultural Diversity
Module Objectives:

• Explore how diversity affects daily lives;
• Show how AL nurses can foster personal and organizational cultural competence; and,
• Explain how to use cultural competence to promote person-centered and person-directed care practices.

Module 6: Sensory Changes
Module Objectives:

• Address the common sensory changes that occur as a part of the aging process;
• Define the condition of excess disability in older adults;
• List indicators of sensory changes in AL residents; and
• Show appropriate interventions for common sensory issues.

Module 7: Skin
Module Objectives:

• Relate the differences between normal and abnormal changes in skin condition;
• Discuss the risk factors for skin problems in older adults;
• Outline the processes for inspecting and caring for aging skin, and
• Describe processes for preventing, assessing, and treating skin tears and pressure injuries.

Module 8: Pharmacologic Considerations
Module Objectives:

• Strengthen your understanding of age-related physiological changes;
• Explain how these changes impact how older adults process medications;
• Describe common issues related to medication management;
• Explain the nurse’s role in preventing and identifying medication-related complications; and
• List “Key Principles” of medication management, which are intended to serve as general guides for daily decision-making regarding medication management.

Module 9: Nutrition
Module Objectives:

• Familiarize nurses with the signs of malnutrition and dehydration;
• Explain the risk factors associated with altered nutrition status;
• Describe treatment options for older adults who struggle to get enough nutrients and liquids;
• Help nurses understand diabetes management; and
• Explain appetite changes at the end of life.

Module 10: End of Life Care
Module Objectives:

• Describe the functions of and principles guiding the nurse at end of life;
• Introduce the tools commonly used for assessing and measuring decline;
• Outline the signs, stages, and types of decline in the end of life process;
• Address special considerations for residents with dementia;
• Differentiate among types of advance directives; and
• Clarify the function of hospice in AL.

Module 11: Urinary Incontinence
Module Objectives:

• Describe the effects of UI;
• Provide information about the various types of UI;
• Explain how to assess residents; and
• List treatment and management options.

Module 12: Cognitive Impairment
Module Objectives:

• Discuss the age-related changes in cognition believed to be normal and those considered to be pathological;
• Describe degrees of cognitive impairment; and
• Relate the nursing assessment and intervention strategies used to manage changes in condition.

Module 13: Pain
Module Objectives:

• Address the impact of untreated pain on the quality of life of older adults;
• Describe common methods and tools used in AL to identify and address pain;
• Outline methods of pain management and treatment for older adults; and
• Discuss pain in older adults who are cognitively impaired.

Module 14: Depression
Module Objectives:

• Relate the types of and risk factors for depression;
• Describe signs and indicators of the illness;
• Explain the assessment and treatment of depression in older adults; and
• Address suicide and other depression-related issues relevant to assisted living.

Module 15: Maintaining Mobility
Module Objectives:

• Describe the scope and levels of functional ability;
• Relate the effects of low mobility and immobility for older people;
• Introduce tools for assessing residents’ levels of mobility;
• Discuss assistive walking devices; and
• Outline strategies for fall prevention.

Module 16: Change in Condition/Care Planning
Module Objectives:

• Discuss the changes in condition that can occur with AL residents;
• Describe how to establish baseline conditions for residents and systems for monitoring changes;
• Promote communication about changes in condition between members of the care team; and
• Address the development of resident care plans.

Module 1: Introduction to Assisted Living

Module Objectives:

• The history and evolution of AL settings;
• The role of the nurse in AL;
• The skills and knowledge needed by AL nurses; and
• How to access the reporting requirements for abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult.

Module 2: Resident Quality of Life

Module Objectives:

• Use tools, techniques, and processes to formulate improvements to resident quality of life;
• Implement legally compliant and sensitive practices that support resident quality of life; and
• Adapt the AL setting to ensure the best possible quality of life for residents with dementia.

Module 3: Communicating with the Team

Module Objectives:

• Recognize the components of good communication;
• Identify communication skills and tools to use with DCWs, RNs, and other health care providers to improve teamwork and care quality; and
• Utilize communication skills that will promote effective collaboration with colleagues.

Module 4: Communicating with Families

Module Objectives:

• Use strategies to overcome barriers and develop positive, collaborative relationships with family members;
• Advocate for family members and residents where appropriate; and
• Support family members in areas of concern.

Module 5: Cultural Diversity

• Describe how life course and culture shape experiences and circumstances throughout one’s life.
• Identify how culture and history influence a person’s perspective and experience.
• Discuss how personal experiences and circumstances influence work and life within the AL settings.
• Apply the principles of person-centered care to engage staff and residents in supporting a culturally competent environment. This includes ways of:
  • • Getting to know resident and staff preferences, customs, and beliefs;
    • Empowering residents and staff;
    • Building mutual respect; and
    • Building and supporting teams.

Module 6: Sensory Changes

Module Objectives:

• Describe normal age-related changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, and peripheral sensation experienced as a result of the aging process;
• Identify factors that can lead to excess disability;
• Use appropriate screening tests for sensory impairment in older adults; and
• Select preventative measures and interventions to assist with sensory challenges.

Module 7: Skin

Module Objectives:

• Distinguish between normal and abnormal variations in older adults’ skin health;
• Provide routine care for aging skin;
• Understand the effective systems and strategies for monitoring skin health in the AL setting;
• Use evidence-based approaches to treating common skin abnormalities; and
• Recognize situations where referral to a skin and/or wound specialist is indicated.

Module 8: Pharmacological Considerations

Module Objectives:

• Describe how aging-related physiologic changes and pathologies common in older adults affect medication absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion;
• Identify risk factors for Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) in older adults;
• Explain how polypharmacology affects risk for adverse effects;
• Discuss medications that are potentially harmful for older adults; and
• Implement strategies to enhance the safety and efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for older adults.

Module 9: Nutrition

Module Objectives:

• List three physical signs of malnutrition and when to consult a registered dietitian (RD);
• Name two risk factors for dehydration in frail older adults;
• Identify signs and symptoms of chewing and swallowing difficulty, when to refer to other professionals, and how to identify appropriate interventions;
• List goals of diabetes management for older adults in assisted living settings; and
• Describe changes in appetite during the dying process.

Module 10: End of Life Care

Module Objectives:

• Identify signs of general decline in residents approaching end-of-life;
• Utilize tools to gather relevant data and document a resident’s stage of dementia;
• Select appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for symptoms of discomfort;
• State basic concepts for communicating at the end-of-life with the resident, their family, and other team members;
• Differentiate among different types of advance directives; and
• Discuss the role of hospice agencies in AL.

Module 11: Urinary Incontinence

Module Objectives:

• Recognize the risk factors for UI;
• Distinguish the various types of UI based on symptom history;
• Gather relevant data regarding continence status;
• Determine the causes of UI in older adults; and
• Assist in development and implementation of individualized resident service plans.

Module 12: Cognitive Impairment

Module Objectives:

• Define how normal age-related changes, dementia, and delirium differ;
• Identify early changes in mental status;
• Gather relevant data regarding a resident’s cognitive status; and
• Explain nursing interventions to manage delirium and dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

Module 13: Pain

Module Objectives:

• Identify the adverse consequences of untreated pain in AL residents;
• Use and interpret pain tools for both the cognitively intact and the cognitively impaired;
• Understand the risks and effectiveness of medications and other treatment options; and
• Identify appropriate pain management and treatment strategies.

Module 14: Depression

Module Objectives:

• Recognize common symptoms and atypical presentation of depression;
• Administer and interpret two common screening tools used for depression in older adults with and without dementia;
• Gather relevant data regarding the risk for suicide; and
• Discuss different treatment options that have demonstrated efficacy in older adult populations.

Module 15: Maintaining Mobility

Module Objectives:

• Recognize the types and risks of limited mobility and the five levels of physical function;
• Use evidence-based tools and measures to accurately determine mobility status;
• Demonstrate competency in identification and use of assistive devices;
• Understand the contributors to fall risk and how interventions can reduce risk; and
• Effectively collaborate with DCWs to identify and implement strategies for maximizing resident mobility.

Module 16: Change in Condition/Service Planning

Module Objectives:

• Describe obvious and subtle presentations of change in condition;
• Gather relevant data that identifies signs and symptoms related to condition changes;
• Effectively communicate condition changes to health care providers such as physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs);
• Work effectively with direct care workers (DCWs) to identify and respond to resident condition changes; and
• Describe strategies to alter care to address different changes in condition.