Differences Between Post-Acute Care and Skilled Nursing Jobs
Post-acute care and skilled nursing are often confused but serve different roles in patient recovery. While both aim to help patients regain independence after injury or illness, skilled nursing is a subset of post-acute care. Let’s clarify the distinctions between these two.
What is Post-Acute Care?
Post-acute care provides short-term support for patients who are stable enough to leave the hospital but not yet ready to go home. This care typically includes services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, IV therapy, and wound care. Depending on the patient’s needs, post-acute care can last from a few days to several weeks, or even longer for those in hospice care.
Post-acute care services include:
– Skilled nursing
– Rehabilitation therapy
– Long-term care
– Hospice care
– Respite care
– Outpatient social work
Care can be provided in various settings:
– Long-term care hospitals
– Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
– Skilled nursing facilities
– At home through home health agencies
What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing is a crucial component of post-acute care, focusing on short-term recovery to help patients resume daily activities after an illness, injury, or surgery. Skilled nursing care must be ordered by a physician and is administered by licensed health professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or speech-language pathologists. This care can involve administering medications, using medical equipment, and other specialized tasks.
Skilled nursing can be provided in:
– Inpatient/hospital settings
– Assisted living centers
– Life plan communities
– Nursing homes
Conclusion
There isn’t a significant difference between post-acute care and skilled nursing, as skilled nursing is simply a part of post-acute care. Both are essential to the healthcare system, helping to alleviate hospital overcrowding and reduce the risk of patient readmission.
How to Find Post-Acute Care & Skilled Nursing Jobs
Kavida is here to support your career in skilled nursing or post-acute care. Whether you’re seeking positions in a unique environment to enhance your skills or need help in your healthcare journey, we’re your career partners. Sign up with Kavida to connect with your personal recruiter.
