How do I handle state survey

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2014

The most important thing is to remain calm. You can try to study up on your facilities protocols. I would focus on anything you have doubts on, especially related to your more complex patients.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2014

I have no advice but my gosh I got nervous just reading your post!!!! I have only been watched once, when I did med passes at group homes. I hate how they stand there with their little clipboard.

amoLucia · Jan 7, 2014

Like PP said, do your toughies first, incl EYE DROPS. Take a deep breath and BE CALM.

Have your med cart super well stocked.

Don't fudge answers, just say that you'll check it out and then DO get back to the surveyor with your answer.

There have been other posts here on AN with multiple EXCELLENT suggestions.

Just remember your good school practice. Good luck!

systoly · Jan 7, 2014

in my area, state surveyors like to see teaching

tell the pt. what meds, what they're for, etc.

take the time to ask if they're having pain or other probs

check the water pitcher, etc.

takes a little xtra time up front, but if you impress them

they'll get out of your hair quicker and it's good practice

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jan 7, 2014

Don't change your daily routine simply because surveyors are there. The calmer you are, the better off you'll be. I tell my staff it's onl 4 or 5 days out of the year. We do the right thing every day so why change because DPH is in the building. The last 2 places I worked....the surveyors commented on how calm the staff was. I told them the same thing...we do the same thing every day so why stress because there are visitors watching? Good luck. I'm still waiting for my annual survey. They are way behind in Massachusetts.

llKristenll · Jan 15, 2014

They usually only watch you pass meds to a couple of residents. Not the whole pass. Make sure that you wash your hands, and don't mix your g tube meds together. Check your orders to crush thoroughly now and make sure everything is right . Try to make sure that your med pass times make sense. And you should always do your most infectious care ( isolation) last.

Check your orders to flush too. Best thingbisb to pull your facilities policy on med administration via g tube and keep it handy. Don't forget your gloves!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 17, 2014

Some things surveyors want to see:

A willingness to work with us. We know you're nervous, in fact, some of us are new to our jobs as well and WE'RE nervous (but we won't let you know that, of course). If you don't know the answer to a question, say so, but also be able to refer us to the person who does know, or to point us to the correct reference.

If you make a mistake, don't go into hysterics; just be honest and do what you can to fix it, including notifying your supervisor and such other persons as family, physician etc. Many of us have stood in your Danskos and know exactly how it feels to mess up in front of "the State"......we're not there to crucify you. Believe it or not, we are ALL on the same side---that of the patients/residents in your facility.

Some things surveyors DON'T want to see:

Confidential papers, e.g. the MAR/TAR or the bowel care list with residents' names, left in plain view on top of the med cart. This is a HUGE violation of the privacy laws and is taken very seriously by the survey team.

Nurses and other staff hastily scribbling their initials in the MAR/TAR after having failed to document meds/treatments on a previous date. We've already seen the record and made copies of it, so any attempt to fill in those holes after the fact does nothing to improve your facility's odds of avoiding a citation. It may also call your integrity into question should something else come up.

And, as another member stated, remember that surveys are only once a year and if your facility is doing a good job overall, we'll be out of there in 4-5 days. :yes: