A few ways you can prevent Junk Mail (or spam)

by Craig Ray

• Don't give your email address out to just anyone - Companies will sometimes put email addresses into a database for them to keep track of their customers’ habits. Sometimes those same companies will sell these lists or share them with other companies.
  
• Check for privacy policies - Before submitting your email address to a website, make sure the company has a privacy policy, and read it.
  
• Default options – Many times when you sign up for something online there may be a section that has options to receive email about their products. Often these options are selected by default, so if you don’t change them, you’re signing up for them.
  
• Additional email accounts – When signing up for services online, considering using an alternative email account from a free site such as hotmail.com. Expect that this email address will receive junk mail, however, it will prevent that junk mail from arriving in your “real” inbox.
  

Carespring Culture is a way of Life. It's contagious. It is like spring fever. One person emits the first smile and BAM! everyone has caught it. It’s a place where you can touch and be touched by not only the residents but each and every person that comes through the door.  I love to be part of the whole picture.  It's not just about a pretty building it's about the internal workings, the sharing and the devotion to the concept. I have been many places and have done many things in my nursing career but I must say I have never been hugged by an owner.  It makes you feel like you matter and when that happens you have caught the BUG…and that's what Carespring is about...Family and values.  A way of Life.

Maureen Olding, RN
Shawneespring

Angel Lush AND Smothered Sirloin Steak in Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce

by Jim Gehler

Angel Lush

1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-o Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding and Pie Filling
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 cup thawed Cool Whip Lite Whipping Topping
1 pkg. (10 oz) round angel food cake
10 fresh strawberries

Mix dry pudding mix and pineapple with juice in medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping.

Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer, cut side up, on serving plate: top with 1 1/3 cups of the pudding mixture. Cover with middle cake layer and additional 1 cup of the remaining pudding mixture.

Top with remaining cake layer; spread with remaining pudding mixture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries just before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Makes 10 servings, 1 piece each.


Smothered Sirloin Steak in Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce

1/2 cup Zesty Italian Reduced Fat Dressing, divided
1 lb. well-trimmed boneless beef sirloin steak
1/3 cup Fat Free Sour Cream
4 1/2 tsp. 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced

Pour 1/4 cup of the dressing over steak in resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; turn to coat. Refrigerate 30 min. or overnight to marinate. Combine sour cream, 2 Tbsp. of the remaining dressing, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Refrigerate until serving time.

Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. dressing in larger nonstick skill on medium heat. Add onions; cook 7 to 8 min. or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove onions; set aside.

Drain steak; discard marinade. Cook steak in same skillet on medium heat 3 to 4 min. on each side for medium doneness. Place on cutting board; slice crosswise into thin strips. Serve steak topped with sauce and onions.

Makes 4 servings

Nursing Walking Shift Rounds vs. Confidentiality

by: Debbie Berling

During my visits of each facility I will ask if the nurses complete walking rounds. I get all types of feedback. Some do, some do not and one person responded to me that it is against resident confidentiality. I was surprised by that remark. During this visit I had noticed several areas that could use some improvement with floor rounds.

I asked why they thought that walking rounds at the change of shift was against confidentiality. The nurse manager stated "you are not allowed to talk about residents in public or around people and give out information."

She was correct to a point but obviously she did not understand walking rounds and the importance. Walking rounds at the change of shift is not for discussion of diagnosis or talk about all of the patient’s personal information. That can be completed very quickly at the station, dining room, conference room or in the med room. Walking rounds at the change of shift is to check on I.V.'s, see that no one is in a hazardous situation, do a quick check in the shower room for cleanliness, check / audit patient changing/marking of attends and more. This is the perfect opportunity to interact and show the oncoming nurse aides and nurse what a great job you did on your shift.

Work at not to becoming narrow minded but find ways to see more, learn more and in turn this will create opportunities to do a better job.

High Blood Pressure

By Dr. Gendelman

What is it? What can I do about?
High blood pressure or hypertension is a very common medical problem. One in 4 people have high blood pressure but only one in three actually know they have it. It is the leading cause of stroke and a major factor in heart disease.

140/90 is considered high blood pressure but there are many other considerations such as family history, diabetes, and other heart conditions that can affect that number.

There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure unless it is extremely high or you develop a stroke or heart disease such as heart failure.

 The cause of high blood pressure is unknown, although genetics and diet are certainly important factors. The only way to know, is to get it taken. If it is elevated, you need to call your physician to determine what other tests are needed.

 Besides medication, you can reduce your BP by:

• Stop smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight
• Eat right
• Limit alcohol

Now go get your Blood Pressure checked!

Beware the Dangling Carrot

by David Eppers

After hearing that someone just left one company (she recently joined) to start another I asked why she made the change. The answer was, “duh, more money, of course!” In this situation more money was $.75 per hour. That translates to $1,560 per year. Who wouldn’t want that? Sounds like a no brainer, right?

Making a job change for money alone may be short sighted. First, take a good look at what you have.

1. Health and Dental benefit costs to employees can vary considerably by employer, however one thing is guaranteed. It’s expensive for someone. This past year Carespring paid approximately $2 million for employee health insurance. Only a fraction of that cost was passed along to employees. The Consumer Price Index (which tracks cost trends for our nation) showed health care cost increases of 4% to 5%. This year none of that increase was passed along to employees.
   
2. Consider retirement benefits. If you are not excited about a 401(k) plan now you should be. EVERYONE who has reached the point of eligibility should be contributing something. If you can only afford to put in 1%, do it! At Carespring we have a 25% match on every dollar contributed up to 4%. That is free money! Plus you get the benefit of compounded earnings before tax! As with this plan, most plans require that you stay with the company for a few years to vest in the matching, which is another benefit of staying long term with your company.
   
3. Potential pay and opportunities increase with time. As you learn your job, your capabilities should expand. As you add to your capabilities you may have the opportunity to do more… You become better able to serve your residents, expand into other areas that interest you, or take on the next level supervisory or management position. These changes can increase your personal fulfillment and your pay! All of this is achieved over time.
   
4. Evaluate your continuing education opportunities. Carespring University and other educational programs that are of no cost to you provide opportunities to grow and advance within the company.
   
5. Consider vacation (where the number of days available grows as your time with the company increases). Don’t forget holidays, other paid days off and flexible schedules.
   
6. Take a good look at your working conditions. It doesn’t translate into cash, but there is definite value to working in a quality environment. Carespring’s mission to put our residents first can translate into personal job satisfaction. Also, Carespring facilities are decorated and maintained at the highest level in the industry. Having good lighting and quality break-rooms definitely effects your day.

Making a job change may be the best thing for you. When making your list comparing the work experience at your Carespring facility with another company, just make it an informed comparison. Don’t be lead astray by hiring incentives or enticing pay rates alone. There is more than just a dangling carrot to be considered.

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RICE

by John Muller

It’s the season for RICE with minor injuries. You & your kids are likely more involved with activities, sports, ‘getting in shape’, etc. You’ll likely experience a minor strain, sprain, or muscle pull. As soon as possible after an injury you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE—Relative Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Relative Rest. Rest and protect the injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. But DO keep moving to a degree, work in a safe, pain free Range of Motion. Keep the rest of your body in good shape, i.e. if you’ve injured your ankle, do upper body exercises to keep in shape – you’ll need the reserve once healed.
  
• Ice. ‘Ice, Ice, Baby – too cold, too cold’ – I’m dating myself with those lyrics but there is nothing more important post injury than getting the area cooled off. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat to the area that hurts. Do not apply ice or heat directly to the skin. Place a towel over the cold or heat pack before applying it to the skin.
  
• Compression. Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your health professional if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.
  
• Elevation. Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
  

Do all 4 parts of the RICE treatment together. If there is still pain when using the injured part after 2 or 3 days, see a healthcare provider. If the injury is serious, such as internal bleeding or a broken bone, do not wait! See a healthcare provider immediately, or go directly to the emergency department. When your soreness and pain are gone, see your facility Therapy Team for recommendations to begin stretching and strengthening exercises slowly, then gradually increase these exercises.

If I were the customer...
by Kim Majick

Always ask yourself this, "What would I want if I were the customer?" This is a very important question to know the answer to when dealing with a difficult or upset customer. As Jeffrey Fox writes in his book, "How to Become a Rainmaker", "When you are the upset customer, you want a full, uninterrupted hearing, you want to deal with someone who has the authority to fix the problem, and you want a fair resolution." We must remember this in our dealings with residents and families.