Southwest Virginia – For more than 30 years, nurse practitioner Gina Collins has devoted her career to patient care. On the weekends, you can find her working in two Southwest Virginia Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care facilities.
“I love working weekends. I’m not rushed and can spend more time with my patients when there is not as much staffing coverage,” Gina said.
She also serves as a family advocate for patients whose loved ones live faraway or in other states. “Sometimes, patients don’t have a strong support system located nearby, so I serve as their voice,” she said.
Experienced, compassionate care is particularly important on the weekends when staffing levels tend to dip – a phenomenon known as the Weekend Effect.
An increased risk of adverse patient outcomes has been linked to the Weekend Effect, a time marked by fewer resources compared to weekdays. Having consistent clinical coverage is essential for closing care gaps and ensuring a continuity of care.
“Throughout the weekend, I can pick up on certain medical issues early, and start treatment sooner, before it becomes serious,” Gina said.
Gina also underscored a misconception that skilled nursing is just for the elderly population. “We have many younger people who require advanced care that families cannot provide at home. I really love working with this patient population because I feel like I am making a difference.”
A Family Medicine and Geriatrics specialist, Gina earned her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of North Carolina, a Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from Liberty University and Master’s of Nursing from South University. She has been with Legacy Care for a year and a half.
When away from her patients, Gina and her husband love to travel, with plans to see all 50 states. They are parents to five adult children who are in their 20s, and two Golden Retrievers Savannah and Shelby.
Resources: The Weekend Effect – https://bit.ly/3wjrvuD
Legacy Care’s medical group delivers patient care in healthcare systems, inpatient rehabilitation centers, post-acute care facilities and assisted living communities that are located across the country. We are leaders in transitional healthcare, delivering patient-centered solutions. Our compassionate physicians and advanced care practitioners are dedicated to positive patient outcomes.