In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, the Mandy and Gwen discuss the critical importance of emergency preparedness in assisted living environments with Fire and Life Safety expert Stan Szpytek. They expore the unique challenges faced by nurses in these settings, the role of incident command systems in crisis management and the need for ongoing training and awareness of potential hazards. The conversation emphasizes the emotional aspects of nursing during emergencies and the necessity of a proactive mindset to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Key Takeaways

• Nurses play a crucial role in managing all types of hazards affecting communities
• Training and drills are important preparation steps to ensuring positive outcomes in crisis
• Understand and maintain awareness of seasonal and day to day hazards in your area
• AALNA's Assisted Living Incident Command System (ALICS) provides nurses with a framework to cope with all crises and hazards.

Join us at the AALNA 2025 Annual Conference July 10-12, 2025 in Memphis, TN!

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, hosts Mandy Curtis and Gwen Wilburn welcome Scott Augenbaum, a former FBI agent and cybersecurity expert, to discuss cyber crime prevention in assisted living settings. With his extensive background investigating thousands of cyber crime cases, Scott shares eye-opening insights on how hackers exploit social engineering tactics to steal information and money, often targeting older adults and those in caregiving professions.

Key Takeaways:

• Cyber crime is increasing, especially in healthcare and senior living.
• Social engineering is the #1 cybercrime tool.
• Older adults and health care professionals are frequent targets due to their trust and willingness to help others.
• Simple, no cost steps can prevent most attacks.
• Education and awareness are key for protection.

Join us July 10-12, 2025 for AALNA's Annual Conference - BBQ, Blues & Best Practices: A Recipe for Nursing Leadership, Empowerment & Success. Sign up now at alnursing.org!

Join Mandy and Gwen as they welcome Jen Sato, LVN, Senior Vice President of Health Services for Oakmont Senior Living, as the newest member and first LVN on the American Assisted Living Nurse Association's Board of Directors. Together they discuss Jen's path to leadership and how she's inspiring LVNs to know their value, own their voice, and do the work that will grow their careers forward as well.

Key Takeaways

• Empowering Nurses for Growth Starts with Caring
• Advancement Opportunities for LVNs in Assisted Living are Expanding
• Peer Support and Professional Networks are Invaluable for Nurses Looking to Grow
• Being a Leader is a Lifelong Journey, Not a Destination

Pamela Truscott, DNP, the Director of Quality Improvement at the National Center for Assisted Living joins Gwen and Mandy to discuss critical issues facing assisted living nurses. The conversation covers the importance of self-care, recognizing signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, and the need for support systems within nursing teams. They also explore the challenges of an evolving nursing workforce, career advancement opportunities and the future of assisted living nursing, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing nurse well-being to improve care for residents.

Key Takeaways

• Identify Signs of Burnout within Yourself...and Your Team
• Signs of Compassion Fatigue
• Avenues of Self Care
• The Role of Peer Support in Preventing Burnout
• Wellness Initiatives for Nurses within Assisted Living

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, Manday Curtis and Gwen Wilburn engage with Sandro Cilurzo, CEO of HelpAny, to discuss the ciritical issue of fall prevention in senior living. The conversation explores the integration of AI in caregiving, the importance of empowering caregivers with technology, and the challenges of implementing new tools in care settings. Sandro emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to care, the significance of engaging nurses in technology development and the misconceptions surrounding AI in senior care. The episode concludes with insights on fostering openness to technology and the future of fall prevention strategies in assisted living environments.

Key Takeaways

• AI and technology are tools to assist caregivers, not replace them
• Successful implementation of technology requires caregiver buy-in
• Engaging nurses in technology development leads to better solutions
• Proactive care is powered by information
• Patience is foundational to effective change management

Mandy and Gwen are joined by Erin Thompson of Aspire for More with Erin, a national senior living leadership consultant, for an engaging conversation on how assisted living nurses can enhance their impact on others. Being seen, valued, heard and successful requires nurses to use practical emotional intelligence tools to manage any situation they are in, but must start with themselves first. Self awareness and empowerment creates opportunies for career growth through effective collaboration and problem solving within an assisted living community.

Key Takeaways:

• Time Management is Essential for Effective Leadership
• Create a Culture of Communication with Families
• A Proactive Mindset is the First Step to Creating a Proactive Life Journey
• A Nurse's Role in the Sales Process is Servant Leadership
• Know the Limits of Your Control, and Help Others Control What They Can

This episode of Nurse to Nurse, hosts Mandy Curtis and Gwen Wilburn meet up with Josh Allen, of Allen Flores Consulting Group, a seasoned nurse leader in the assisted living sector. They discuss the evolution of nursing roles in assisted living, the challenges faced by nurses today, and the importance of leadership and regulatory knowledge. Josh shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the need for preparation of nurses entering the field and the significance of work-life balance.

Key Takeaways

• The role of assisted living nurses has evolved significantly over the years.
• The complexity of resident acuity is underscoring the importance for nurses within assisted living, both as clinicians and as leaders.
• Understanding regulations is key to effectice practice in assisted living.
• Nurses who pursue certifications, such as AALNA's C-AL, show their dedication and accomplishments in assisted living nurse practice.
• There is an abundance of opportunities for nurses to grow their careers within this space.

In this episode of Nurse to Nurse, guest Maria Moen, SVP of Innovation & External Affairs at MyDirectives, lays out the framework of how advanced care planning is an essential cornerstone of personal health decision making for older adults. She also provides practical advice on ensuring advanced directives are validly executable and how they may be applied differently across the healthcare spectrum.


Key Takeaways

• Advanced care planning enables residents to take charge of their healthcare decisions, fostering independence and dignity.
• Nurses play a vital role in initiating and guiding discussions, making it essential to develop strong communications skills.
• Staying informed about frameworks and best practices in advanced care planning helps nurses support their residents effectively.
• Regularly incorporating advanced care planning into care plans ensures that residents' preferences are honored and that they feel valued in their decision-making process.

This episode of Nurse to Nurse is sponsored by Abena North America, your source for Advanced Incontinence Care Solutions. AbenaUSA.com