Do the state inspectors ever show up on noc shift?

Gompers, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2004

We just had a visit a few weeks ago, but they didn't visit my particular unit during the off hours.

From what I understand, all of our future joint commission visits will be unannounced. We were told that they will visit approximately every 18 months, but that's all we know. I actually think it's better this way. Those visits are POINTLESS when you know exactly what week they're coming, no matter what shift you're on. If you really want to be secure in the fact that your institution is safe, isn't it a good idea to have unannounced visits so they can see how things NORMALLY go?

sharlynn · Aug 28, 2004

If you really want to be secure in the fact that your institution is safe, isn't it a good idea to have unannounced visits so they can see how things NORMALLY go?

I agree! And, if you are doing everything the right way ALL THE TIME instead of taking shortcuts or skimping, there is nothing to worry about.

sharlynn · Aug 28, 2004

I feel bad for the ones who get followed around, they hold the jobs of the entire facility in their nervous hands. It's not fair.

I got written up a few years ago for not washing my hands before and after a dressing change. What the inspector didn't realize was that I knew the resident's bathroom was packed with an oxygen concentrator, wheelchair, bedside commode etc. and I did it at a sink down the hall.

merricat · Aug 29, 2004

i have heard that if one does a single transfer without a gaitbelt (arizona) they recommend your termination!

Catsrule16, RN · Sep 2, 2004

As the info under my username implies, I am a State Surveyor. I have been known to enter a facility at 10:30 PM for a complaint investigation and stay till 2:00 AM to return at 9:00 AM. I've gone in on a sunday at 9:30 AM and extended a survey through a weekend because things weren't going well. The President's initiative set forth that in motion. 10% of a state's surveys are to be "off hours" surveys. Even had the federal surveyors enter with us at midnight.

merricat · Sep 2, 2004

wow-- it is so nice to hear from someone with some facts on the matter. there is so much to know about all of this. i have not come across this issue before, but can residents refuse a body buddy? i always thought they were doctor ordered restraints, just like bed alarms, and could not be refused. i understand if you are too busy to answer. and also if resident has bed alarm-- do the bed rails have to be up? we have residents who have alarms but who still want bed rails down once in a while. they sign a release but it seems to me if they sign it they can revoke it.

Catsrule16, RN · Sep 2, 2004

The term body buddy is not one I have herad before. Sounds like you are refering to bolsters that keep a resident from rolling out of bed. If a resident doesn't want it, even if it is a physician's order.... DOCUMENT everything! Document on the cognitive status of the resident, any conversations with family members, etc. If the resident is cognitively intact, make sure you have informed them of the risks vs benefits of what they are refusing.

merricat · Sep 2, 2004

you rock! thank you so much. a "body buddy" is a restraint that fits into the arms of a wheelchair-- like a big cushion. i work in long term care, where there are probably way more of those than in a hospital.

missmercy · Sep 2, 2004

Yes! YES!! YES!!! Not only can the state inpsectors appear at any moment, but as of 2005, I believe JCAHO inspectors are planning unnannounced visits as well. It is a part of their continuous readiness philosophy. Not all bad -- I mean I love to be caught doing something right -- and it sure does encourage us to stay on our toes -- but it can certainly be unnerving! :uhoh3: