How to survive state survey?

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Hello everyone,

We are expecting our state survey anytime. I'm a new nurse in a SNF and scared of the surveyor that might follow me on my med pass...Please give me some tips how to survive. Thank you.

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There is nothing to be afraid of if you follow your protocols and DO NOT take shortcuts. Read any policies/procedures that you are unsure of NOW. If the policy states that crushed meds are to be given one at a time, then give them one at a time. Be certain that you can identify each patient/client/resident as appropriate.

Do not let them get you rattled.

Take some deep breaths.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Home Health, Case Management, OR.

I just went through my first experience with state and it SUCKED!! I tried my best to just work as I normally do, but when someone is watching your every move it is just unnerving! It is very stressful, but it's not forever and then they go away.

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Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.

Also if you don't know something just be sure you know where to find the answer, like policies, procedures etc... :)

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Just do the right thing and you'll be fine. If there IS something that's wrong with your facility or how a protocol is being implemented don't shy away from bringing it to the attention of the surveyors so that it can be FIXED.

If anybody tells you anything different they're more interested in BS than they are with improving patient care and safety and they're not worth listening to in my honest opinion.

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Just do the right thing and you'll be fine. If there IS something that's wrong with your facility or how a protocol is being implemented don't shy away from bringing it to the attention of the surveyors so that it can be FIXED.

If anybody tells you anything different they're more interested in BS than they are with improving patient care and safety and they're not worth listening to in my honest opinion.

No, no, no..... :smackingf if there are problems take them first to the DON/administrator of the facility- NOT the state surveyors :eek: Listening to them is not an option...they make the rules :up: You don't have to LIKE them- but you do have to follow them.:up:

I had a state pharmacist follow me on med pass, and it went fine. I was nervous- but if you follow the policies and procedures, you'll be good. If you don't know something, like someone else said, go find it in the P & P books....they like that people are willing to go look something up, and not guess. :)

CNA_in_ADN....everyone is definitely entitled to their opinion- but if you spread what you said around at work, or to a surveyor, you'll be SOL. :twocents:

I've spent time typing up action plans and going over survey results...the state wins....EVERY time when a situation is justified....not just the ones people think are useful...:nurse:

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No, no, no..... :smackingf if there are problems take them first to the DON/administrator of the facility- NOT the state surveyors :eek: Listening to them is not an option...they make the rules :up: You don't have to LIKE them- but you do have to follow them.:up:

I had a state pharmacist follow me on med pass, and it went fine. I was nervous- but if you follow the policies and procedures, you'll be good. If you don't know something, like someone else said, go find it in the P & P books....they like that people are willing to go look something up, and not guess. :)

CNA_in_ADN....everyone is definitely entitled to their opinion- but if you spread what you said around at work, or to a surveyor, you'll be SOL. :two cents:

I've spent time typing up action plans and going over survey results...the state wins....EVERY time when a situation is justified....not just the ones people think are useful...:nurse:

Maybe I was unclear, I meant if there is an on-going problem that's been unaddressed or unresolved even after being brought up to supervisors or at meetings, etc.

I really dislike the notion of "oh no here comes the surveyors yikes". They're there to make things better for patients and in the long run we're all on the same side.

So for example if you've brought up to your supervisor that "x policy really has some holes in it and isn't unilaterally followed" and no matter what you do it doesn't get resolved, I'd feel free to mention it to anybody that's in the business of effecting positive changes in patient care.

Problems need to be out in the open where you can SEE them and WORK on them. If something isn't being done right it needs to be called out, not just when the surveyors are there ANYTIME.

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Maybe I was unclear, I meant if there is an on-going problem that's been unaddressed or unresolved even after being brought up to supervisors or at meetings, etc.

I really dislike the notion of "oh no here comes the surveyors yikes". They're there to make things better for patients and in the long run we're all on the same side.

So for example if you've brought up to your supervisor that "x policy really has some holes in it and isn't unilaterally followed" and no matter what you do it doesn't get resolved, I'd feel free to mention it to anybody that's in the business of effecting positive changes in patient care.

Problems need to be out in the open where you can SEE them and WORK on them. If something isn't being done right it needs to be called out, not just when the surveyors are there ANYTIME.

Gotcha :)

I'd still be careful if you want to still work there- maybe an anonymous phone call would be a safer thing for job security ---jmho :)

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Does anybody know if surveyors come on nights? We're due (very soon) for a visit and I'm brand new and I'm getting nervous...

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Does anybody know if surveyors come on nights? We're due (very soon) for a visit and I'm brand new and I'm getting nervous...

They can- but if they do it's usually towards day shift's start time. They need to spend as much time as possible when the admin/DON are around, BUT they can show up whenever they want to.

It's always a bummer the first time through (and not great thrill ever- :D) but if you do what you are supposed to, know where the P&P manuals are (DO that for sure) you should be ok...."I don't know" is a kiss of death, unless you IMMEDIATELY follow up with "I can find out in the manuals right away-then go look, with them probably tagging along.

Surveyors are intimidating by title- but the still are essentially human (some I've wondered about) and generally know you're nervous. And it's ok to tell them it's your first survey experience. Hang in- they don't stay forever :)

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Thank you everyone.

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