Aftermath of STATE

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Specializes in LTC.

I swear these people are clueless.

We got two tags.

1) Only LPNs, RNs, and CNAs are allowed to feed residents. Family members are NOT allowed to assist with feeding. We also had a few staff from activities feeding and that is also not allowed. Despite the fact that all non licensed staff ( dietary, housekeeping, laundry, activities and office staff) have been crossed training in a two week course, including CPR and can be "paid feeding staff" if the need ever arose. But apparently that wasnt good enough for the state. We had to have a new plan in place within 24hrs. Our plan: Some CNAs were pulled off the floor and stayed in the dining room for meals. The long term plan is that every employee that is NOT a CNA is now required to become a CNA at the facility's cost. So every housekeeper/laundry staff, activity staff and office staff is getting a CNA license and will be scheduled to assist in the dining room

2) Not properly cleaning the glucometer. After each use, wipe with Sani Wipes. Apparently you are supposed to keep the surface wet for 2 mins before drying. This is according the directions on the container itself. So...lets get this straight...after each pt you do a glucoscan on..you are to wipe the meter for 2 mins and then allow to dry before putting back in your cart. :uhoh3:

Ask yourself how many scans do you do in one shift and each scan, you must wipe for 2 mins....

I really think the state came in and couldnt for the life of them find anything wrong and tagged us for the most craziest thing possible. We have been using activities to help feed for 5yrs if not more and this is the year they cite us for it. Give me a break. And let me tell, we have a few family members who are not happy they are not allowed to feed their loved ones anymore and I know one pts's husband had a few choice words for the surveryer.

Anyway, glad it was over. I guess the powers to be in the main office were happy with us because we all got $50 Walmart gift cards and a catered lunch.

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If those are your only tags you work in a stellar facility!

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The LTC I work part timw in has a really small glucometer. I sort of wrap it in the Sani-Wipe and let it sit for two minutes (after I wipe it off)...then I wipe it off again and let it dry. The state had no issue with that.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

In Massachusetts we have paid feeding assistants and volunteer feeding assistants. You have to take a course to do either. All the family members who wanted to feed their family member had to take the course. DPH had no issue with it. Of course, it was a state approved training program.

Congratulations on your survey. Not my business but making everyone be a CNA is ridiculous.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

If this was all they could find, I would want my family members to be in your facility.

GREAT JOB!!!!:ancong!:

:dancgrp:

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Specializes in LTC.

I bet thats a relief for everyone in your facility. We have our mock survey tomorrow. I am off. Not answering the phone. lol

But those are two ridiculous things to be cited for in my opinion. At least the family members feeding. I know of several family members who come in and feed their husband, wife, mother, father, etc. They would be fuming if they were told they aren't allowed to. I know I would have choice words for the surveyor if they told me I couldn't feed my grandmother dinner. I don't see the problem with it as long as there is a nurse present in the dining room or dayroom.

The whole glucometer issue just boils my blood so I am going to stop here. lol

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

What is going to happen when everyone is a CNA? Is the housekeeper going to want to stay a housekeeper if they now are a CNA?

Don't know what the pay difference is between cooks, housekeeping and CNA's, but I can see if the housekeeper got paid less and now is a CNA that they just might move on to another facility to work as a CNA for more money.

I can see everyone having their CPR card and then a class on feeding, but everyone becoming a CNA just dosn't make any sense.

Good job BTW!

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Specializes in LTC.

I really dont think they are going to follow thru with sending everyone to CNA school. I dont think they realize just how much it will cost, what if they dont want to be a CNA and once they did get their license, why would they stay? I think they just made the plan they way it was to statisfy the state. They had to come up with something in 24hrs..an immediate plan and then a long term plan. And everyone that works there is required to be CPR certified. And like I said the ones who were feeding did take a two week course on feeding. I am not sure what more the state wants. I know my DON mentioned she is looking into and feels like we shouldnt have been tagged for it. We have been doing this for over 5yrs (from what I have heard, new here, only 3mos). Our DON is also new..she has been at the place a long time, started out as a CNA but just became the DON back in March. I really like her. I have seen her on the floor, passing meds, helping the aides with transfers and even in the dining room feeding.

Oh and as far as the tag for wiping the meters...:uhoh3:

Overall, I am happy where I work and would be proud to have a family member here. Thanks guys and I really like the forum!! :redpinkhe

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Congrats on a very good survey!

Our facility wanted everyone to become CNAs too...I haven't heard anything about it since.

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Specializes in Gerontology/Home Health CM, OB, ICU, MS.

I was shocked when I learned that CNAs in what are purported to be "skilled nursing facilities", are not required to be CPR-certified.

That was the case in California 2 years ago, & still is, AFAIK. That's a disgrace, & even though many patients & residents will not require CPR, if a facility purports to provide skilled care, those doing the caring should know CPR basics.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

The regulations state a "State approved" training course. This course can be anywhere from 8 hours to 3 days. A CNA training course takes, what 6 months or something like that? Sounds crazy nto make everyone a CNA, course you would never be short of CNA 's..you could just pull the housekeeper or dietary aid...hehe

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