The Virginia Long-Term Care Clinician Network: Connecting, Collaborating, Educating

Only available as part of a package

Session Summary: The presentation will educate learners on the efficacy of the Virginia Long-Term Care Clinician Network (VA LTC-CN). The VA LTC-CN, a peer provider network consisting of a target audience of physicians and advanced practice clinicians, grew from the need to problem solve quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers will demonstrate how the VA LTC-CN coordinates communication of vital information, supplies resources, including a website and regular newsletter, provides educational opportunities with CME credit to members through a virtual monthly forum, facilitates robust discussion on timely topics affecting LTC clinicians throughout Virginia, and has served as a platform for initial inquiry into clinician well-being and satisfaction with areas of work-life. Composition and dynamics of the project team and steering committee will be discussed. Speakers will describe how the VA LTC-CN may serve as a model for others.


Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the need for a statewide central mode of communication for vital information, including infection control practices and regulatory updates, especially in the event of a public health emergency (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Identify how a statewide peer provider network can provide virtual resources and educational opportunities for long-term care clinicians.
  • Explain the role of the steering committee and project team in establishing and developing the Virginia Long-Term Care Clinician Network.

Kristin MacDonald, PhD, MS, RD

Assistant Professor

Virginia Commonwealth University

Kristin M. MacDonald, PhD, MS, RD, is an Assistant Professor of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University. She researches experienced compassion at work and well-being among nurisng home direct care workers. Kristin teaches person-centered care, health care management and performance, and service learning. She has worked as a nursing home administrator, and a clinical dietitian in various settings. As an administrator Kristin's organization was featured among U.S. News and World Reports’ “Best Nursing Homes." She guided this facility through a ‘zero-deficiency’ state survey, and her organization received state-level recognition for adoption of person-centered care. Kristin is a proud Tillman Scholar.

Jamie Smith, FNP-C, CPMA

Clinician Development Specialist

Eventus Wholehealth

Jamie Smith, FNP-C, is a Clinician Training Specialist for Eventus Wholehealth. She has served as an educator and nurse practitioner for a total of eleven years. Her passion for educating extends beyond just to those in the organization. She is an advocate for education to all those involved in the care of patients. She has served as an author of Geriatric Notes alongside Dr. Brad Goad with Premier Geriatric Solutions (now a part of Eventus WholeHealth), and served at PGS in the capacity of Chief Education Officer.

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