Discussion

Per the text, when patients cannot receive needed medical care, nursing services, or rehabilitation therapies in a community-based setting, they are typically admitted to a long-term care facility, where medical care is traditionally delivered by physicians and/or practitioners with advanced qualifications. All nursing services in long-term care facilities are delivered by a nursing staff which is headed by a Director of Nursing (DON).

• Compare and contrast the roles of the medical director and the DON.
• Select the role which has the overall greater impact on patient care.
• Provide a rationale for your response.