Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 35 No. 1 January 2009
By Denise R. Bonanni, RN; Geraldine Devers, RN; Kathleen Dezzi, RN; Christine Duerr, MS, RN; Madeline Durkin, RN; Judith Hernan, MSN, RN; Carol Joyce, RN, NHA
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine whether a dedicated restorative nursing program fostered improvement in residents’ functional status and quality of life. Restorative nursing assistants were selected, provided with special training, and under RN supervision, were solely responsible for the delivery of restorative care. The dedicated program was provided to 50 residents in a long-term care facility. Data were gathered using the Minimum Data Set, which measures activities of daily living, continence, and mood status in long-term care facilities. The data parameters included functional status and depression. The results indicated that a dedicated restorative program did foster improvement in some areas of functional ability. Dedicated restorative nursing staff were able to complete assignments in an efficient, timely manner and document results. The program led to more consistent care delivery and a higher quality of care.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ms. Bonanni is Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator, Ms. Devers, Ms. Dezzi, and Ms. Durkin are Nurse Managers, Ms. Duerr is Director of Nursing, Ms. Hernan is Vice President of Health Services, and Ms. Joyce is Nursing Home Administrator, Cathedral Village CCRC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Address correspondence to Denise R. Bonanni, RN, Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator, Cathedral Village CCRC, 600 East Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128; e-mail: Dbonanni@cathedralvillage.com.
