Sunday, February 24, 2013

Restoring Quality of Life

What is Restorative Nursing?

Before this quarter’s clinical rotation, I had never heard the term “restorative nursing.”  Restorative nursing refers to nursing interventions that promote the residents ability to adapt and adjust to living as independently and safely as possible.  This conept actively focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning.  A person can start a restorative nursing program upon admission to a facility with restorative needs, when restorative needs arise during the course of a long-term stay, or in conjunction with formalized rehabilitation therapy.  However, restorative nursing programs are typically initiated when a resident is discharged from formalized physical therapy? 

I question, why are patients discharged from formal therapy programs when they still have obvious restorative needs? 
 
 

**Functional decline can lead to depression, withdrawal, social isolation, and complications of immobility such as incontinence and pressure ulcers. **

What is Included in Restorative Nursing? 

Activities that must be provided by restorative nursing staff:

·         Passive Range of Motion

·         Active Range of Motion

·         Splint or Brace Assistance

Activities provided by any staff member under the supervision of a licensed nurse:

·         Bed Mobility

·         Transfers

·         Walking

·         Dressing and/or Grooming

·         Eating and/or Swallowing

·         Amputation or Prosthesis Care

·         Communication

In a restorative nursing program, these skills must be done at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period. 

Nurse's Job

Nurses MUST supervise the above skills.  Nurses formulate individualized care plans with goals that are measurable and objective.  It is their responsibility to reassess progress on a weekly basis and revise the care plan as necessary.  Nursing assistants/aides can be trained in the techniques, but again, must be supervised by a nurse when performing these activities.

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