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Assisted Living Nurses Gather for 7th Annual National Conference
OFFICIAL SECTION OF THE
American Assisted Living Nurses Association
Assisted Living Nurses Gather for 7th Annual National Conference Josh Allen, RN, C-AL President, American Assisted Living Nurses Association
Less than 10 years ago, the idea of a conference dedicated to the practice of nursing in assisted living seemed like a radical idea. The industry was still maturingda process continuing todaydand the idea of who the “typical” assisted living resident would be in the coming years was taking shape. The American Assisted Living Nurses Association was just a few years old, and our fledgling group was working hard to demonstrate why assisted living nurses needed a professional organization. Back then, some of our colleagues still argued whether assisted living nursing was “real” nursing practice. I am excited to announce once and for all that those days are over! Although our profession will continue to grow along with the assisted living industry, it has become clear that our work in caring for assisted living residents is without question “real” nursing. The level of autonomy, leadership, and care coordination demanded of assisted living nurses is greater now than ever before, and the professionalism exemplified by our members during the 7th Annual AALNA National Conference in September was evident. AALNA members from across the country gathered in Las Vegas for 4 days of education, advocacy, and action during our 2011 conference. The New Jersey AALNA chapter had a strong presence again this year, but they were joined by nurses from California to Massachusetts and everywhere in between. Held in conjunction with the American Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living convention, the week began with our first-ever Assisted Living Nurse Certification Exam Preparation Course. The certification exam is challenging, and members have been asking for a preparation course to help them fine-tune their knowledge before sitting for the exam. The day-long session covered assisted
472
living philosophy, funding sources, resident centered care, aging theories, disease processes, management, dementia care, assessments, service planning, and professional development. Two dozen dedicated nurses came in a day early to attend the session, and early reports show that the course was effective: at least half the participants have already passed the exam as of this writing. Although education is the focus of the conference every year, networking and some time for relaxation are also important. The evening of the prep course, attendees gathered for a reception at our host hotel where all enjoyed the sights of Las Vegas and some time together “talking shop.” Regulations, acuity, and the economy were frequent topics of conversation. Saturday, September 17, 2011, was the official full day of the conference. A full day of education included speakers on disaster response, national policy, and responding to violent situations. One of the most popular sessions of the day was led by Loretta Kaes, RN, C-AL, of Chelsea Senior Living. Loretta led a vibrant discussion on managing higher acuity that began with that statement “higher acuity is here to stay.” Nearly every nurse in the room agreed, and for the next 2 hours, participants shared insights and tips to help one another successfully respond to higher acuity challenges. Tips included the use of remote health monitoring, coordinating care with hospice, utilizing physical and occupational therapies effectively, and managing staff. Most conference participants stayed the following day for NCAL Day. Always a popular component of the AHCA/NCAL convention, NCAL Day provides a wonderful opportunity for executive directors, administrator, operators, and nurses to network and learn together. The AALNA conference concluded on Monday with a joint “Meet Up” session with NCAL in the AHCA/NCAL expo hall. The information networking session was focused on the role of nurses in assisted living and has sparked the creation of a joint AALNA/NCAL task force to continue ongoing dialogue and collaboration on this important issue. The level of expertise found in the room during the 7th Annual AALNA National Conference was
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 32, Number 6
inspiring and leaves me excited about gathering once again in 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Together we can develop and share our strategies for success and benefit from participating in the only national conference dedicated exclusively to addressing the concerns and challenges of assisted living nurses. Be heard, be active, and be effective!
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 32, Number 6
JOSH ALLEN, RN, C-AL, is the President of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association, Napa, CA. Josh is a registered nurse with over 17 years of experience in assisted living and residential care.
0197-4572/$ - see front matter Ó 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2011.09.009
473
American Assisted Living Nurses Association
Assisted Living Nurses Gather for 7th Annual National Conference Josh Allen, RN, C-AL President, American Assisted Living Nurses Association
Less than 10 years ago, the idea of a conference dedicated to the practice of nursing in assisted living seemed like a radical idea. The industry was still maturingda process continuing todaydand the idea of who the “typical” assisted living resident would be in the coming years was taking shape. The American Assisted Living Nurses Association was just a few years old, and our fledgling group was working hard to demonstrate why assisted living nurses needed a professional organization. Back then, some of our colleagues still argued whether assisted living nursing was “real” nursing practice. I am excited to announce once and for all that those days are over! Although our profession will continue to grow along with the assisted living industry, it has become clear that our work in caring for assisted living residents is without question “real” nursing. The level of autonomy, leadership, and care coordination demanded of assisted living nurses is greater now than ever before, and the professionalism exemplified by our members during the 7th Annual AALNA National Conference in September was evident. AALNA members from across the country gathered in Las Vegas for 4 days of education, advocacy, and action during our 2011 conference. The New Jersey AALNA chapter had a strong presence again this year, but they were joined by nurses from California to Massachusetts and everywhere in between. Held in conjunction with the American Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living convention, the week began with our first-ever Assisted Living Nurse Certification Exam Preparation Course. The certification exam is challenging, and members have been asking for a preparation course to help them fine-tune their knowledge before sitting for the exam. The day-long session covered assisted
472
living philosophy, funding sources, resident centered care, aging theories, disease processes, management, dementia care, assessments, service planning, and professional development. Two dozen dedicated nurses came in a day early to attend the session, and early reports show that the course was effective: at least half the participants have already passed the exam as of this writing. Although education is the focus of the conference every year, networking and some time for relaxation are also important. The evening of the prep course, attendees gathered for a reception at our host hotel where all enjoyed the sights of Las Vegas and some time together “talking shop.” Regulations, acuity, and the economy were frequent topics of conversation. Saturday, September 17, 2011, was the official full day of the conference. A full day of education included speakers on disaster response, national policy, and responding to violent situations. One of the most popular sessions of the day was led by Loretta Kaes, RN, C-AL, of Chelsea Senior Living. Loretta led a vibrant discussion on managing higher acuity that began with that statement “higher acuity is here to stay.” Nearly every nurse in the room agreed, and for the next 2 hours, participants shared insights and tips to help one another successfully respond to higher acuity challenges. Tips included the use of remote health monitoring, coordinating care with hospice, utilizing physical and occupational therapies effectively, and managing staff. Most conference participants stayed the following day for NCAL Day. Always a popular component of the AHCA/NCAL convention, NCAL Day provides a wonderful opportunity for executive directors, administrator, operators, and nurses to network and learn together. The AALNA conference concluded on Monday with a joint “Meet Up” session with NCAL in the AHCA/NCAL expo hall. The information networking session was focused on the role of nurses in assisted living and has sparked the creation of a joint AALNA/NCAL task force to continue ongoing dialogue and collaboration on this important issue. The level of expertise found in the room during the 7th Annual AALNA National Conference was
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 32, Number 6
inspiring and leaves me excited about gathering once again in 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Together we can develop and share our strategies for success and benefit from participating in the only national conference dedicated exclusively to addressing the concerns and challenges of assisted living nurses. Be heard, be active, and be effective!
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 32, Number 6
JOSH ALLEN, RN, C-AL, is the President of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association, Napa, CA. Josh is a registered nurse with over 17 years of experience in assisted living and residential care.
0197-4572/$ - see front matter Ó 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2011.09.009
473