Florida Health Care Association’s Nurse Leadership Program brought together some of the brightest minds in long term care nursing, creating an environment where innovation and collaboration flourished. The organization’s attention to detail and commitment to providing meaningful professional development opportunities was evident in every aspect of the program. We were particularly impressed by their foresight in offering specialized pre-sessions on Human Trafficking awareness and regulatory compliance – topics that directly impact the safety and quality of care in our facilities.
Sessions exploring person-centered care methodologies, infection prevention strategies, and regulatory compliance created a comprehensive learning environment. However, as a physician-owned mental health practice specializing in geriatric psychiatry, we found ourselves especially engaged during discussions about behavioral health integration within nursing facilities. These conversations underscored the growing recognition that mental health services are not optional add-ons but essential components of quality care.
Our interactions with nursing leaders throughout the event revealed a shared understanding of the complexities facing long term care. Many facility administrators and directors of nursing spoke about the challenges of addressing psychiatric needs among their residents, particularly the delicate balance required when managing medications for older adults with multiple comorbidities. These conversations reinforced our belief that collaborative care models – where psychiatric specialists work alongside nursing teams – produce the best outcomes for residents.
Witnessing the Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards presentation was deeply moving. The recognition of outstanding nursing professionals reminded us why partnerships like ours matter so much. These dedicated individuals deserve access to the best possible resources and support systems, including specialized psychiatric care when their residents need it.
FHCA’s commitment to advancing nursing leadership through this program aligns perfectly with our mission at National Psychiatry LLC. We believe that when nursing leaders have access to comprehensive resources – including mental health expertise – they can create environments where both staff and residents thrive.
We’re grateful to FHCA for creating this platform and proud to have contributed to its success. The nursing leaders we met represent the future of long term care, and their commitment to excellence gives us great optimism for the continued evolution of our industry.
