Licensed Vocational Nurses are in charge of medications and treatments. Our highly trained staff of dedicated professionals is committed to provide the best possible nursing care to our residents with emphasis on loving care, understanding and respect for dignity and individuality. The nursing care team works together in cooperation with the resident’s physician to maintain a resident’s optimum health. Our nursing care team consists of:
- Medical Director
- Director of Nursing Services (DOS)
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
- Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN)
- Nursing Assistants Certified (NAC)
- Consultants
- Therapists: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Respiratory Therapists and Recreation Therapists
Skilled Care
Only a licensed professional gives skilled care. Skilled care is focused toward assessing an acute medical problem and/or rehabilitation to a higher level of functioning. Examples of skilled care include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and registered nursing observation for acute medical conditions.
Medical Director
The medical director is responsible for maintaining resident medical care by following currently recognized professional medical standards of practice.
Physicians
Your physician is responsible for the medical care provided to you. Our team of professionals provide all treatments, medications, special diets, and therapies in collaboration with your physician. Visitation by your doctor or representative is required by law every 60 days. However, many physicians visit as often as bi-monthly. Should a medical need arise and your physician is not available, then we will contact either his or her “on call” doctor or the nurse practitioner.
The Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
The Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is a master’s level prepared nurse who addresses the immediate and long-term health care needs of the residents by prescribing appropriate medications, treatments and interventions. An ARNP functions as an independent practitioner in close consultation with the physician. The presence of the ARNP assures that the residents’ health care needs are evaluated and addressed in a holistic and timely manner.
Pharmacy and Medications
Westlake Convalescent Hospital uses the unit dose drug distribution system for dispensing medications. This is similar to the one used in hospitals. The advantage of this system is that the pharmacy only bills you for the medication you use. However, the pharmacy cannot package all medication according to the unit dose system. The exceptions are narcotic medications in the form of liquid, ointment or cream, and prescribed medications brought in by the resident or family. Our nursing staff carefully control all medications in our facility to ensure proper dosage and administration. The pharmacy also provides on a monthly basis a licensed pharmacist to review the residents’ medications and our procedures in medication administration.
Respite Care
We offer respite care as part of our nursing services. This short-term (weekend, week, month) care allows family caregivers a rest, a vacation, or the time to attend to personal issues that may arise.
Other Services Available
- Laboratory & X-Ray
- Audiology
- Dental
- Wound Care
- Vision
- Podiatry
