Interview with Jennifer Fairbank

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wned and operated by HMS of Newport, Inc., South County Nursing Center is a 120-bed, Medicare/Medicaid/JCAHO-certified facility. South County is located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and has 115 employees. As administrator of South County, Jennifer Fairbank directs all functions of the facility in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern skilled and long-term care nursing facilities. She ensures that the highest degree of quality care is provided to the residents at all times. In addition, Jennifer manages and directs all department heads at South County and is ultimately responsible for all actions that take place within the facility and for all staff and residents involved with the facility. Following, Jennifer discusses her facility, including South County's strategies for motivating and retaining staff, continuing education opportunities, quality assurance measures, and more.
       What are some of the new equipment, devices, and products introduced at your facility lately?
       Jennifer: We purchased a digital camera for more precise, accurate documentation of skin care issues. We also recently purchased new IV equipment, latex-free products, safety syringes, a transport van, cordless phones, an automated external defibrillator, and a new copy machine, which is networked to all of our PCs.

The management team of South County Nursing Center starting from left: (top row) John Hendrickson, Food Service Director; Donna Meade, MDS Coordinator; Jeannine Hinson, Unit Manager; Jennifer Fairbank, Administrator; Bruce Davis, Environmental Services; Karen Gobin, Unit Manager; Donna Perreault, Business Office Director; (bottom row) Bonnie Slein, Social Worker; Lisa Galligan, Activities Director; Carol Rondeau, Director of Nursing; Travis Blaser, Assistant Administrator; Wendy Fournier, MDS Coordinator; Carol Peltier, Quality Assurance/Inservice Director.

       Who handles your procedure scheduling? How do you handle physician timeliness?
       Jennifer: South County is visited weekly by the facility medical director and psychiatric team. Binders are maintained on the units with paperwork that needs processing. Timeliness of visits is always a concern in long-term care, and this process has worked well. A wound care consultant visits as requested. Visits from an optometrist, a dentist, and a podiatrist are scheduled monthly or as needed. Social services coordinate all quarterly and annual visits. The facility driver handles outside appointments. In the event that a family is unable to transport the resident or the resident is unable to tolerate car transport, the facility has an eight-person van available.
       How is inventory managed in your facility?
       Jennifer: The medical records/supply coordinator manages inventory. Each unit is maintained with adequate and appropriate par levels. Maintaining accurate par levels reduces frustration and saves money.
       What measures has your facility implemented in order to cut or contain costs and improve efficiency?
       Jennifer: We have a centralized copy machine attached to our computer network of 15 workstations, which alleviates the need for printers at each workstation. Department heads continually review contracts with vendors and investigate cost cutting alternatives. Provider contracts and reimbursement rates are also monitored very closely.
       What are your strategies for retaining and motivating staff members?
       Jennifer: We offer a bonus program and financial incentives based on a percentage of gross profit at year end. We also have employee of the month, dress down day, a monthly food extravaganza, employee appreciation weeks, an annual picnic, an annual Christmas party, an employee of the month parking spot, and a "Lunch with the Administrator" program.
       What continuing education opportunities are provided to staff members?
       Jennifer: Tuition reimbursement, seminars, and certification are available to all of our staff members. This program has been very successful.
       What alternative therapies does your facility utilize?
       Jennifer: Our facility practices diathermy in addition to using herbal medications, vitamin therapy, aromatherapy, sensory stimulation, and pet therapy. We also offer "Cooking with John" (our food service director).
       What quality control/quality assurance measures are practiced in your facility?
       Jennifer: Quality assurance inspections are done in all departments daily. In-depth reviews are conducted monthly with recommendations and staff education when applicable. Quality assurance maintains all statistics for performance improvement and institutes policies for new regulations.
       What trends do you see emerging?
       Jennifer: One emerging trend is the impact of the "baby boom" generation. This generation will need long-term care. The challenge we face is managing this generation's expectations in the face of falling reimbursement.
       What makes your facility unique?
       Jennifer: Our facility is unique in many ways. We have built a strong team of dedicated staff members at South County. We are currently using little to no registry, which greatly affects the continuity of care of our residents. The administrator's management style includes a very approachable and "open door" policy. This impacts all levels of staffing creating a united team effort.

ECPN will spotlight an administrator or director of nursing from a long-term care facility, acute care facility, or home care agency in every issue. Please contact Renee Olszewski by phone at (800) 237-7285, extension 209, or by e-mail at rolszewski@hmpcommunications.com for a questionnaire.