May, 2025

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Schedule Is Everything: Why Smarter Scheduling Could Be the Key to Keeping Nurses at the Bedside

Daily Nurse

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of nursing, there’s one constant that can make or break a nurse’s experience on the joband it’s not what you’d think. It’s the schedule. That’s the central message of a new study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research , led by Amy Witkoski Stimpfel, PhD, RN, assistant professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

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Finding Your Voice: Empowering the Shy and Introverted Nurse

Diversity Nursing

Nursing is a profession built on care, compassion, and advocacy. We are the eyes and ears for our patients, the vital link between them, their families, and the medical team. But what happens when the very nature of our personality, a tendency towards shyness or introversion feels like a hurdle in effectively communicating and advocating? If you identify as a shy or introverted Nurse, know this, your inherent qualities are not weaknesses.

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professionals

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Shingles: The Disease, the Vaccine, and the Role of Nurses in Vaccination Conversations

AJN Off the Charts

Shingles: The Disease Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While anyone with a history of chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles, the likelihood increases with age and in those with weakened immune systems. The disease can lead to significant morbidity, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating complication characterized by persistent nerve

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How Caregivers Can Take the Lead on Oral Health for Older Adults

Caregiver Support Services

Caring for an aging loved one means watching over every little detail of their well-being, and that includes whats going on inside their mouth. Oral health often slips down the priority list, especially when there are bigger medical issues at play. But neglecting teeth and gums can spiral into bigger problemspain, infections, and even complications with chronic illnesses.

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The Essential Guide to Secure Messaging in Healthcare

Discover everything healthcare providers need to know about secure messaging. Covering essential topics like HIPAA compliance, communication efficiency, and patient privacy protection, this resource is indispensable for professionals, caregivers, and administrative staff alike.📱 💬 Whether managing sensitive patient data, coordinating care teams, or streamlining workflows, discover actionable insights to implement secure messaging solutions effectively.

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8 Books Every Nursing Student Should Read

Minority Nurse

Reading is nothing new for nursing students. Nurses in training read textbooks in classrooms, but its not the same as reading stories that speak to the heart. Oftentimes, biographies and nonfiction books written by nurses are more interesting and action-packed than medical texts. Many of these books and essays about nurses lives are based on what happens in the real world. nursing student books, best books for nursing students, must-read nursing books, nursing school reading list, books for futu

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Hospice Pet Therapy Programs Can Boost Patient, Staff Satisfaction

Hospice News

Improved quality is among the potential returns on investment for pet therapy programs. But hospices need to vet and train human and animal volunteers to sustain these services. Hospices offer a variety of volunteer-based programs such as art, aroma, massage and music therapy, with some providers increasingly integrating animals into their mix of services.

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Dementia Diagnosis? Here’s How to Plan Ahead and Get Support

Aging Life Care Association

Dementia Diagnosis Are Rising Heres How Aging Life Care Managers Are Helping Families Cope As more families across the country face the reality of a dementia diagnosis, support from an Aging Life Care Manager is becoming increasingly essential. According to a recent survey conducted by the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), more than … Continue reading Dementia Diagnosis?

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How Vitasya Powered Growth and Efficiency with AlayaCare

AlayaCare

Key takeaways Vitasya, a trusted home health provider spread across the Northeast, South, and West regions of the United States, adopted AlayaCare to streamline operations, expand service lines, and drive growth cross multiple geographies. In just one year, the partnership has delivered remarkable results: 175% year-over-year growth in revenue. 187% growth in billed hours. 90% clean claims submission rate across four states.

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Five kids, one nursing home and a deck of cards

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

This summer, many of you who dedicate your time to skilled nursing will also be juggling another full-time role: parenting. Camps are expensive, grocery bills are eye-popping (seriously, how are they always hungry?), and finding meaningful ways to engage our children during the long summer days can feel like a second job. However, what if I told you theres a way to blend your personal and professional lives in a manner that benefits everyone, staff, residents and children alike?

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ICU Nurse Angel Toney on Teamwork, Purpose, and Why ‘Together’ Is Her Real Superpower

Minority Nurse

When it comes to the power of nurses, Angel Toney, BSN, RN, is the real deala critical care force fueled by compassion, community, and the drive to pay it forward. As an ICU nurse at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center , Toneys superpower isnt just handling high-stakes moments but weaving humanity into every heartbeat of her day. Her journey into nursing was born from personal heartache.

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3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.

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Proposed California Budget Calls for Prior Authorization for Hospice in Medicaid

Hospice News

The proposed California budget would require prior authorizations for hospice care within the states Medicaid program. Currently, Medicaid managed care plans who provide coverage through the states Medicaid system, Medi-Cal, may not perform prior authorizations for hospice. Californias Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) indicated in a 2025-2026 budget revision that this could save $25 million over the next two years and more than $50 million in the long term.

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Caring for the caregiver: 25 ways to support a family caregiver

HopeHealth

Caregivers often dont ask for help or know how. This list offers 25 ways to offer support someone whos focused on caring for someone else. The post Caring for the caregiver: 25 ways to support a family caregiver appeared first on HopeHealth.

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How Aging Life Care Managers® Support Families: Insights from New Research

Aging Life Care Association

New research from Virginia Tech confirms what many families already know: Aging Life Care Managers deliver exceptional value, expert guidance, and peace of mind for older adults and their families. Who are Aging Life Care Managers? Aging Life Care Managers are professionals trained in aging and disability care. They help families manage changing health … Continue reading How Aging Life Care Managers Support Families: Insights from New Research → The post How Aging Life Care Managers

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Bridging the Healthcare Gap with Dave Marchand

AlayaCare

Dave Marchand reveals how New Day Healthcare’s Carelytics platform bridges critical gaps in the traditional home healthcare delivery model by unifying patient data across service lines. Through advanced analytics and proactive interventions, this approach transforms care delivery from reactive, reimbursement-driven episodes to comprehensive patient journeys that identify early decline indicators and prevent catastrophic health events.

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The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

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Why choice matters in end of life care for seriously ill children

Together for Short Lives

One of the main things that shocked me when I started working in the childrens hospice sector three years ago was the lack of choice available to families. Particularly when it comes to end of life care for a child or young person, and the option to be at home. This isnt because families dont […] The post Why choice matters in end of life care for seriously ill children appeared first on Together for Short Lives.

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The Ostomy MacGyver: How Linda Concepcion is Healing Patients (and Spirits) One Creative Solution at a Time

Minority Nurse

When it comes to wound and ostomy care, Linda Concepcion isnt just skilledshes legendary. Known around Holy Cross Health as The Ostomy MacGyver, Concepcions superpower lies in managing the toughest, most complex cases with creativity, compassion, and a signature dash of humor. I secure the pouch and save the shift, she says with a smile. One grateful patient even crowned her The G.O.A.T.a title Concepcion wears with pride.

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National Alliance: Medicaid Cuts Would Adversely Impact Home-, Community-Based Services

Hospice News

A tax bill currently before Congress could lead to Medicaid cuts that would inhibit access to home- and community-based services (HCBS). The bill, which promises sweeping tax and spending cuts, currently is undergoing a reconciliation process. The amount of tax cuts could reach $4.5 trillion, with spending cuts in the area of $4.5 billion, with a significant portion coming from Medicaid.

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“Hospice means enjoying the time you have”: A Mother’s Day story of care, comfort and love

HopeHealth

Karas mom made her promise to chase her dreams. This Mothers Day, Kara is honoring that promise and giving back to her moms hospice team. The post Hospice means enjoying the time you have: A Mother’s Day story of care, comfort and love appeared first on HopeHealth.

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The Evolution of Communication in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare communication has evolved from handwritten notes and paper charts to digital tools like EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-powered platforms. This blog explores how these advancements improve patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance provider collaboration. Learn about the role of mobile health (mHealth) apps, secure messaging, and social media in bridging communication gaps.

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Alesia Thompson Uses Her Nursing Superpower to Inspire a Family Legacy of Care

Daily Nurse

Alesia Thompson doesnt just lead nursesshe creates them. With nearly four decades of nursing experience, Thompson, RN, MSN, is the Clinical Director of a bustling unit at University Medical Center in New Orleans. But if you ask her what her superpower is, she wont mention her leadership title or years of experience. Instead, she beams and says, I make Nurses.

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How caregiver feedback is shaping the future of our mobile app

AlayaCare

When you’re juggling back-to-back visits, squeezing in meals, and trying to keep everything on track, you need a mobile app that works with you — one that’s fast, intuitive, and built for the realities of delivering care in the field. For caregivers, our mobile app isn’t just another tool, it’s an essential part of their daily rhythm. It’s how they check schedules, complete tasks, conduct client visits, and stay connected while on the move.

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National Women's Health Week

Today's Caregiver

Every May, beginning on Mother's Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women's Health (OWH) leads National Women's Health Week (NWHW).

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How to Qualify for Medicaid Without Losing Your Life Savings

Elder Care Matters

Learn how Medicaid planning strategies, such as asset transfers, trusts, and annuities, can help seniors qualify for Medicaid without losing their life savings. Preserve your wealth while securing long-term care. The post How to Qualify for Medicaid Without Losing Your Life Savings appeared first on Elder Care Directory - ElderCareMatters.com.

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The Role of Technology in Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming healthcare by enabling providers to track patient health outside traditional clinical settings. This blog explores the role of technology in RPM, including wearable devices, mobile apps, and connected medical tools that collect and share real-time data. Discover how RPM expands care access, improves outcomes, enhances patient engagement, and reduces costs by shifting from reactive to proactive care.

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California Hospice Owner Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence in Fraud Case

Hospice News

Petros Fichidzhyan, 44, of Granada Hills, California, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a mulit-year scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million. Fichidzhyan committed the fraud through sham hospice companies and a home health company that he owned, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Dementia Communication: Tips for Caregivers

Community Home Health Care

Meaningful communication is the foundation of our closest relationships, but when you are caring for a loved one with dementia , connecting can become increasingly difficult. As the condition progresses, verbal and cognitive abilities can decline, making it harder to connect in familiar ways. According to Alzheimers Society , dementia can affect how a person communicates and the language they use.

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The Surprising Link Between Medications and Sundowning

Responsive Home Care

You made it through another busy day. Dinners wrapped up, the kitchens clean, and youre finally catching your breath. Then, like clockwork, the shift begins. Your loved one with dementiastarts to act differentlymore anxious, more confused, maybe even angry. The calm you hoped for slips away, and suddenly, youre back in the thick of it. […] The post The Surprising Link Between Medications and Sundowning appeared first on Responsive Home Care.

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Guide: How employee experience drives success in home-based care

AlayaCare

In home-based care, the care provider experience is more than just an HR concern — it’s a strategic imperative. Organizations that prioritize workforce engagement see measurable benefits, from improved patient outcomes to stronger financial performance. The connection is clear: When care providers feel valued, they deliver higher quality care. And better care drives agency growth, higher client satisfaction, and a competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging market.

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Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

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Supporting Mental Health

AT Home Care & Hospice

Supporting Mental Health & Independence at Home with Home Health Care The Connection Between Mental Health & Home Health Care Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, especially for seniors. Depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD – especially among Veterans – are often overlooked in aging populations. Many individuals struggle in silence, unaware that The post Supporting Mental Health appeared first on AT Home Care & Hospice.

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What Does It Mean to Be Age-Friendly?

Aging Life Care Association

By Jeremy C. Holloway, PhD We hear the term age-friendly a lot these daysbut what does it really mean? Is it just about having grab bars in bathrooms and good lighting in hallways? Or is there more to it? The truth is, being age-friendly goes much deeper. Its about creating environmentshomes, communities, healthcare systemswhere older … Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be Age-Friendly?

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Blue Ridge Hospice Brings Services Under New Unified Brand

Hospice News

Blue Ridge Hospice is rebranding under the name Blue Ridge Care to signify its expanded mission and scope of services. The new brand brings all of the companys business lines together in a single, cohesive identity. This includes Blue Ridges hospice and palliative care programs, its Center for Hope & Healing bereavement center and its subsidiary Blue Ridge Independence at Home Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

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Healthcare Privacy and the Evolving Role of Nurses

Daily Nurse

Nurses are natural multitaskers, and now, a small part of their work includes helping protect patient privacy. According to the HIPAA Journal , over 133 million healthcare records were exposed in data breaches in 2023, and many of these incidents started with simple, avoidable mistakes. Thats why nurses are now considered part of the frontline in protecting patient privacy.

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Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.