What key initiatives might a nurse manager oversee in a skilled care unit?

A nurse manager in a skilled care unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, and one of the most important initiatives they oversee is infection control measures. This is imperative in a skilled care setting, where residents may have compromised immune systems and higher susceptibility to infections.

By implementing infection control protocols, the nurse manager helps to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can significantly impact patient outcomes and lead to increased healthcare costs. Measures may include regular staff training on hygiene practices, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), surveillance of infection rates, and adherence to hand hygiene standards.

These initiatives are foundational to maintaining the health of patients and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care provided in the unit. Effective infection control not only protects individual patients but also contributes to broader public health efforts by preventing the spread of infections within the facility and the larger community.