Nurse practitioner on site at SKLD Bryan is a game changer for residents
For residents at SKLD Bryan in Ohio, having a nurse practitioner full time on site is a tremendous relief during their care. When a resident experiences any acute medical issue, Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Allen is available within the hour during business hours. And if the matter is more urgent, Stephanie can see a patient within minutes.
SKLD Bryan Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Allen
The patients also enjoy a level of continuity of care that comes with consistently seeing the same medical professional over time. “They’re my patients,” says Stephanie. “I know everything about them--their medical history, their families and needs. They trust me, and they feel comfortable coming to me for anything.”
Because Stephanie is available full time, the facility’s rehospitalization rate is extremely low. “When a nurse reaches out to a doctor off site with shortness of breath, for example, they typically have to send the patient to the ER. But I’m here!” says Stephanie. “I can listen, order a nebulizer or a breathing treatment and then sit with them. That way I can often prevent them from going to the ER.”
SKLD Bryan is the only facility in the area with a nurse practitioner in house.
For Stephanie, working in skilled nursing healthcare is a privilege. “I honestly like everything about it. I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything different.” Stephanie grew up in a family of healthcare professionals and says all she ever wanted to do was take care of people. “I truly enjoy people coming to me, and I can provide them with services or education that can help them. That is my true calling.”
Coordination of care
Stephanie also participates in the coordination of care within the facility to help improve communication amongst families and residents. She and the care team meet monthly or quarterly with families for care conferences to ensure that patients are getting all their needs met and families are involved. She coordinates care closely with the facility’s medical director, Dr. Kevin Park.
The SKLD Bryan nurse management team has a combined experience of 120 years, and our DON has 26 years of experience!
Stephanie says the coordination of care at SKLD Bryan is phenomenal, making it an exceptional place to work and live. The team starts each day with morning meetings to collaborate together on how to manage and improve care. “We all know the patients differently, so I want to hear everyone’s input.”
And the patients all know Stephanie. She says it’s not unusual for a patient to walk right into her office with a question or to say hello. They know that no matter what they need, Stephanie will always be there in the morning.
For more information about SKLD Bryan, call 419-636-5071.