Month: April 2015

Are you aware that there is a national organization that supports and promotes DD Nurses?  Well there is, and it’s called DDNA!

The Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) conducts an annual conference with many opportunities for Nursing CEU’s, but most importantly the opportunity to network with peers and learn up-to-date information from national speakers. The 2015 Conference is being held May 1^st-4^th, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit DDNA.org to register for the 2015 Conference, or join DDNA.

DDNA offers membership and access to CEU’s with networking and membership to local Chapters throughout Ohio. Ohio is well represented on the DDNA Board of Directors as Deb Maloy, R.N, C.D.D.N., Executive Director of ViaQuest Nursing Services, accepted the role of President-Elect as of January 1^st. Karen Hill, R.N., C.D.D.N., also of Ohio (Portage County Board of DD), is the DDNA Treasurer on the Board of Directors as well. Both Deb and Karen are members of the Northeast Ohio DDNA Chapter.

LPN’s and RN’s can also participate in the Certification process to become a Certified DD Nurse (Certification pre-requisites and qualifications are located on the DDNA website).  Examination can occur at a local level, or at the Annual DDNA Conference.  Nurses with experience— show your knowledge by becoming a Certified DD Nurse; add it to your resume!

View the DDNA 23^rd Annual Education Conference brochure here.

Please feel free to Contact Deb at Deb.Maloy@ViaQuestInc.com

or visit DDNA.org for more information.

ViaQuest to Present Impact of Pharmacogenetics on Dementia Care at Indiana Health Care Association Regional Spring Conference

Chief Clinical Officer selected as inaugural ViaQuest speaker at the French Link, Indiana Conference

DUBLIN, Ohio (April 6, 2015) –Kathy Richard, RN, MBA and Chief Clinical Officer of ViaQuest will present at the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) Regional Spring Conference in French Lick, Indiana on April 22.

Richard’s session, titled ‘Pharmacogenetics: Shaping the Future of Dementia Care,’ will discuss the significant role pharmacogenetics plays in treating dementia patients. With more than 20 years of experience in the Home Health and Hospice areas, Richard will be the first speaker on behalf of ViaQuest to present at IHCA.

“ViaQuest’s unique approach with pharmacogenetics takes the guesswork out of dosages and combinations of prescriptions because we look at a patient’s genetic makeup, condition and environmental factors to create a personalized treatment plan,” said Richard.

Known in the healthcare industry as personalized medicine, pharmacogenetics is the practice of using genetic profiles, combined with data such as physical and environmental characteristics, to more accurately prescribe medication that works best for each individual.

“Kathy’s dedication and commitment to our patients has allowed ViaQuest to be at the forefront of the industry” said Rich Johnson, ViaQuest president and CEO. “We’re honored to have Kathy represent the ViaQuest team.”

IHCA is Indiana’s largest trade association and advocate representing proprietary, not-for-profit and hospital-based nursing home and assisted living communities, adult foster care and adult day services. The 2015 topic is Dementia Care and will cover a number of subjects including behavioral interventions, activities for dementia residents, ADL care for dementia residents and communication techniques among others.

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About ViaQuest ViaQuest, Inc. is a healthcare company that believes strongly in choice for its employees and the people it serves. Its areas of expertise include home health and hospice, mental and behavioral health, and developmental disabilities. ViaQuest offers quality, highly-personalized, specialized and cost-effective care, empowering individuals to function independently and live their best possible lives. Through a wide range of innovative services referred to as ViaQuest’s Circle of Care, a skilled, dedicated staff ensures that the people served are active participants in their own care. The company is based in Dublin, Ohio. For more information, call ViaQuest at 800-645-3267 or visit www.ViaQuestInc.com.