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Catherine (Cat) Volkmann, RN

Catherine has over 45 years nursing experience, the last fifteen of which have been in I/DD. Ms. Volkmann worked for a Provider in Florida for over five years in Areas 7, 13 and 14. Her responsibilities included

 

• Overseeing the health and wellness of 28 clients receiving funding from APD
• Medical History review with clarification and confirmation of diagnosis when indicated
• Physical Assessments to evaluate medical issues
• Develop Nursing Care Plans that meet the requirements for funding for RN/LPN management
• Will contract with providers in need of these services

Instructor Services

Catherine's teaching skills have been well documented. She is an APD approved instructor for Medication Administration being awarded #13/0608/001. Classes are scheduled once a month on the 2nd Tuesday at APD/DCF offices in Wildwood, Fl.

Ms. Volkmann has developed nearly 100 Self-Paced modules to help you. They address:

• Specific medical issues
• Syndromes
• Procedures
• Living Skills (designed to teach Direct Support Professionals how to teach clients)
• Health and Safety
• Leadership and Management
• The Aging Process
• I Wanna Be Me (Self Help Topics)

Ms Volkmann is available to teach specific topics:
Enteral (Tube) Feeding with demonstration of Administration of Medications via tube
Procedure with pitfalls and positives associated with Administration of Medications via Nebulizer
Any medical issue and many procedures.

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Health and Safety Series

Infectious Diseases and Infection Control
(AKA Blood Borne Pathogens)

Chat about hepatitis prevention for employees.

Define the OSHA terms that relate to infectious diseases and infection control.

Describe the role of an employee in regards to HIV/AIDS.

Discuss personal protective equipment (PPE).

Explain universal precautions and work place guidelines.

Identify at least five exposure sources.

State the precautions necessary to protect the people supported regarding HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.

Take the necessary steps should a person receiving support or an employee be exposed to an infectious disease.

Wash hands frequently.

While assisting the people supported, demonstrate knowledge of equipment precautions.

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Leadership and Management Series

Leader & Manager Compared

Define Leader. Define Manager.

List ten characteristics for a Leader. List ten characteristics for a Manager.

Participate in an activity that identifies one’s own leader versus manager

characteristics. Start formulating a vision that includes both personal and work related aspects.

Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in one’s work and personal outlook.

Begin a plan for bolstering outcomes.

Complete the Competency Evaluation. Return it to C Volkmann Consulting.

Receive a Certificate of Completion.

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Lifting and Transferring procedures.

Describe three situations when assistance with transferring is necessary.

Talk about the need for lifting a person.

Discuss when a mechanical lift is used.

Explain the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding lifting and transferring.

Define Gait Transfer Belt. List five situations where a gait belt might be used.

State the “step-by-step” process for each of the five situations where a gait belt might be used.

Participate in the demonstration of the use of a gait belt. Return demonstrate each of the five situations where a gait belt might be used.

Be equipped to transfer clients safely without injury to the Support Professional.

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Living Skills Series - Hygiene

Define Activities of Daily Living.

List ten important points to know before teaching an individual grooming skills.

State the steps in assisting a person to bathe.

Talk about the proper way to brush teeth. Discuss the importance of flossing the teeth.

Explain why “putting clothing on the weak side first” is important.

Write a plan to teaching a client to perform basic daily living skills that include bathing, shampooing, oral hygiene, shaving, dressing and undressing.

Chat about learning styles.

Participate in a learning activity that reinforces the knowledge base, regarding grooming, for the DSP.

Complete the competency evaluation and receive a certificate.

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Syndromes: Down Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Prader Willi Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Define Down Syndrome.

Discuss Routine Health Screenings recommended for people with Down Syndrome.

Describe three Mental Health Issues associated with Down Syndrome. State the occurrence of Seizures with Down Syndrome.

Explain Sleep Apnea as it relates to Down Syndrome.

Chat about Vision, Hearing and Dental Health Issues in the presence of Down Syndrome.

List three potential health problems related to Lax Ligaments associated with Down Syndrome.

Clarify the significance of Hypothyroidism in people with Down Syndrome.

State two potential Heart-Related health issues in people with Down Syndrome.

Explain why Pneumonia Immunization is recommended for people with Down Syndrome.

Compare the onset of menopause. Urinary tract infection incidence, and reproductive issues for people with Down Syndrome and those without it.

List three common Skin Problems for people with Down Syndrome.

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Autism By Catherine B. Volkmann, RN

1. Identify the major parts and function of the brain and spinal cord.
2. Describe how information is normally processed in the brain.
3. List and describe three behavior patterns.
4. List five examples of atypical (abnormal) behavior as the result of unusual processing in the brain.
5. Discuss behavioral changes that might be effects or side effects of medications.
6. Write at least five actions that Support Team Professionals might initiate to change the behavior.
7. Demonstrate a process for gathering and utilizing information that assists a person with autism in reaching independence.
8. Explain how information gathering is an ongoing process.

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Common Cold vs Flu

Define “The Common Cold” Define “The Flu” Describe the most common signs and symptoms of each.

Discuss the similarities and differences of the cold, allergies and flu.

Identify the point at which the person should make an appointment to see the Health Care Professional.

State at least five treatment modalities the Health Care Professional may utilize. Identify the role of Support Professionals regarding the common cold and the flu.

Utilize the worksheet to confirm the symptoms for the cold and flu. Complete the Competency Evaluation.

Stress and Its Management

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Define Stress.
2. Compare Eustress with Distress.
3. Discuss three types of stressors.
4. Talk about four sources of stress.
5. Explain how “Self” is a source of stress.
6. List eight areas that reflect how relationships play a role in stress.
7. Expound on the areas of a job that might result in stress.
8. Describe how the environment affects one’s stress level.
9. Raise one’s level of awareness regarding the effect of stress on the body.
10. State the signs and symptoms of stress from physical, emotional and behavioral points of view.
11. Highlight several techniques that might carry weight for one person’s stress.
1. Relaxation Techniques
2. Alternate Behaviors
3. Self Talk
4. Attitude and Choice of Attitude
5. Action, Choice of Action
12. Describe seven stress management techniques.
1. Cognitive Restructuring
2. Improve Listening Skills
3. Active Listening
4. Empathetic Listening
5. Talk about “Seek First to Understand”
6. Explain, “Listen with Eyes, Heart, then Ears”.
7. Build, “Win/Win Contracts”.
13. Develop a step-by-step approach to manage stress.
1. Identify the Stress
2. Analyze the Source
3. Develop a Plan
4. Implement the Plan

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About Catherine B. Volkmann RN

Experience

Newborn Nursery
Learned teamwork and leadership responsibilities as charge nurse on
Medical/Surgical Units
Honed nursing skills

Critical Care Nurse

Selected as charge nurse in the first Coronary Care Unit on the West Coast of Florida. Was first nurse certified to teach CPR in Florida. Wrote ABCs of CCC a primer on EKG interpretation for nurses. Taught critical care nurses basic and advanced skills.

Solo instructor for over one hundred 1,2,3-day critical care seminars. Wrote Cardiac Cadet a five-part series for coronary care nurses. Authored and coauthored several articles with physician and nurse colleagues that were published in major medical journals.

RN/Instructor I/DD

Researched and developed a plan for oversight of all medical issues for 35 people with I/DD in six group homes in APDs Areas 13 & 14. Supplied staff with specific information for each client regarding their health issues including signs and symptoms, reporting procedures, accessing health care providers, funding and more. Provided day-to-day oversight of all health issues for people with I/DD

Updated company policies and forms regarding medical oversight. Developed a format for Nursing Care Plans that when submitted for approval to Maximus were successful.

Implemented a successful plan of communication between management staff and the RN. Assisted Managers in the relicensure process. Developed and implemented a medical history document that tracks medical issues.

Researched developed and implemented forms for documenting treatments performed by unlicensed staff - tube feedings; vital signs; weight and skin integrity parameters.

Proficient in federal, state, and local funding variations especially regarding Medicaid. Communicated with drug companies regarding financial assistance for nutritional supplements. Successfully secured one year of free formula from one company. Effectively navigated Medicaid to procure payment of formula for three adults.

Developed working relationships with doctors, nurses, and their office staff. Developed open communication lines with MCMs in Areas 13 & 14.

Developed and presented a medication administration course that met state requirements (2002). Assessed causes of medication errors. After implementing updated education program virtually eliminated medication errors.

Attended all meetings in Tallahassee in 2003-2007 revising Policy #0101 for incorporation into 65G. Offered numerous suggestions that were adopted.
Following approval of the syllabus for 65G, developed an Instructor’s Package that is available for purchase to any RN intent on teaching the APD required medication administration program.

Developed and taught programs to unlicensed staff to assist people with I/DD meet independence goals: Core Assurances; The Bill Of Rights; Abuse and Neglect including Reporting Procedures; Fire, Disaster and Severe Weather; Self Administration of Medications; Effects and Side Effects of Medications; Preventing Medication Errors; Teaching Techniques For Staff (to enable them to Teach People with I/DD).

Researched and provided educational offerings from basic ADL skills to principles of health and safety for all members of the support team.

Researched developed and presented a tube-feeding class including principles, trouble-shooting and documentation procedures. It is accompanied by a formal validation procedure.

Developed and presented educational offerings to DSPs on Administering Medications via Nebulizer; and the ins and outs of Vagal Nerve Stimultors.

Authored and developed a Video tape series on “Critical Thinking in Nursing”. It is available at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services Corporate Headquarters.
Attended classes and was certified as an instructor of CPR and First Aid by the American Red Cross the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council (NSC). (Not active)

C Volkmann Consulting provides educational and nursing expertise to Providers who support people with disabilities. The offerings meet the regulations and requirements set forth by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Currently, we are in the process of polishing 100+ self-paced programs for DSPs.

President of Health Education Associates. Supplied nurses with continuing educational programs to meet mandatory relicensure requirements. In conjunction with two other nurses provided critical care classes in 25 States

President of The TomCat Connection

in conjunction with my husband Tom, composed, developed and published 200 self-study programs for health care professionals, business professionals, patients, their families and the general public.

Published Books

Gardening with Children: by Deborah Hendrick an accomplished Wisconsin Day Care and Preschool Instructor

He Touched Me: A booklet of poetry by Tom Volkmann.

Ms. Volkmann is available for on-site presentations of your choosing. She has over 45 years of nursing experience. Her presentation skills are superb. In addition, she is expert at researching and developing custom-designed programs that meet your needs.

 

Contact Information:

Catherine B. Volkmann, RN
2242 Palmview Circle
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 967-1163