in desperate need of a response......

Sorry Honestly I have never been through state survey, but I was told that if you Pass meds, they may watch you pass meds to your patients. So just make sure you wash your hands before med administration, match the medication with the MAR, and check name bands. State will also interview residents too, so if you have any residents that like to make false accusations, make sure that is documented and care planed to protect you. Just provide safe care for you patients and don't stress out and you'll be fine. Hope it helps.

Know where your MDS & Policy/Procedure files are, and know your fire escape route. If you don't know the answer to something they ask you, don't just say you don't know. Say, "I'm not sure of the answer, but I will find out right now," or direct them to someone who does have the answer. If you act nervous when they're there, they will almost assuredly follow you around forever.

They also watch to see how promptly call lights are answered, if your nursing assistants are washing their hands, and if debilitated residents are turned and repositioned according to your facility policy. They will check on your documentation follow up and doctor notification. If they ask you a question, give them only the specific information they ask for.

My hospital just went through this. Although I was not working in nursing, some of the things they asked apply to anyone with PT contact. Washing hands is huge. They want to see you do this between PT contact, before and after glove use. They may ask what you do in a fire (RACE) and how to use an extinguisher (PASS).

Be confident and if you do not know the answer, tell them that you will be sure to get back with them as you are a new employee and still learning facility procedures.

In my country this evaluation is made routinely since the first period of the college. When you conclude the course you make a national test. All are simple and easy, you are enough to follow the protocols and to make what you learned.

I'm new too!!, make sure if you are crushing meds, you crush them serperately and sandwich them between applesauce, I work in LTC so I know that much.. Good luck, It'll be ok!!

I have been thru state survey many times and I can tell you it is not only nerve racking for you but everyone around you. As a new nurse you are in a better position than most of us who have been around for a while and developed short-cuts or bad habits. You know all the rules and that is all you need to do, follow the rules. If you are doing a med pass. Do it just like you where taught, from the door knocking, handwashing, pt identity,privicy keeping text book med pass. State survey happens once a year, every year. The first few times are the hardest. Take a deep breath and realize that the "state" already said you know what you are doing....then just do it the way you were taught. I once had a peg tube pt. cough just as I began to pour her meds in her G-tube. needless to say they went everywhere LOL. I did not even look at the examiner by my side. I said, OH MY, I guess you did not get any of you medicines Mrs..... Let me do this again!!! I re-poured the meds (after much handwashing) and thankfully she did not cough again, and it went fine. Although the incident was mentioned on the report, I had corrected it and the pt recieved her meds correctly.
Try not to worry, this to shall pass.

Hopefully not as JACHO that's always a great party to be involved c.

Lisa

I will be experiencing this soon myself, Joint Commission will be coming next year, the first time as me being an LPN. Also, Magnet is coming to visit in a few weeks. As soon as Magnet leaves, I plan to review as much as I can on things that will possibly be asked of me. I work in a clinic, so, I know some of it, but it is different with more responsibility. Luck to you and keep us posted.