What to Expect: The Transition from Hospital to Skilled Nursing
How does the transition from hospital to skilled nursing facility work?
The transition from hospital to skilled nursing facility (SNF) can feel overwhelming and stressful, for both you and your loved one. Here is a general overview of how this process might work.
Pre-Arrival
Before your loved one’s admission, SNF staff ensure orders are in place reflecting any prescribed diet needs, and efforts are made to have a dinner tray ready upon their arrival. Pre-medication is administered before hospital discharge to maintain comfort.
Arriving at SNF
Arrival at SNF typically occurs after 3 PM via ambulance transport, either on a gurney or, in specific cases based on physical condition, on a wheelchair.
Meeting Admissions
Upon reaching the facility, 3-11 shift nurses, serving as an admissions team, play a crucial role in creating a smooth experience.
They will greet your loved one, perform identification checks, and escort them to their room. They’ll receive a brief orientation covering room controls, call-light systems, phone usage, and bathroom location. Consent forms will also be reviewed with your loved one or a responsible party, and next of kin or emergency contacts will be informed of their arrival.
Keep in mind, that independent movement is not advised until your loved one is cleared by an on-site physical therapist.
What about medications?
Nurses will promptly contact your loved one’s doctor to review and confirm all ordered medications based on their ER discharge list. Medication orders are then sent to the pharmacy, a process taking 5-9 hours. Urgently needed medications can be ordered with proper documentation and approval.
Well-being checks
A thorough well-being check will then be performed on your loved one. This includes a full-body assessment, documenting skin conditions, swelling, wounds, surgical sites, bruising, or discolorations. A TB test is also administered unless your loved one opts for a chest X-ray.
Inventory Log
To keep track of your loved one’s possessions, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) conducts an inventory log, marking down items brought upon arrival. Regular updates to this log are crucial for liability coverage in case of breakage, loss, or damage.
After this, your loved one is considered transitioned to SNF and will being their work towards discharge! Keep in mind this process may differ slightly based on the facility your loved one is in.