Incident reports in nursing homes

[atlantagirl]

I just started working at a nursing home and sometimes I'm unsure of what kind of situations warrant an incident report. I know skin tears, bruises and falls are automatically considered incidents. But what if a resident is helped to the ground to avoid a fall? Is this an incident or something that just needs to be documented in their chart? Does anyone have any tips on time management in LTC? I get so wrapped up in meds and treatment that I sometimes don't manage to get all my charting done.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Lowered to the floor is an incident, as is any abusive behavior by a resident.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If the resident engages in aberrant behavior (fighting, sexual impropriety, threats of violence, flashing one's genitalia, etc.), it would warrant preparation of an incident report. Keep in mind to never document the existence of the incident report in the nurses notes, because the document will become discoverable if any future legal action arises.

Also, some residents accidentally run into other people on occasion with their power wheelchairs. This would necessitate an incident report.

[atlantagirl]

Thanks for the responses!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Also, some residents accidentally run into other people on occasion with their power wheelchairs. This would necessitate an incident report.

And sometimes on purpose.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

And sometimes on purpose.

Yeah, I suspect that's true. I get the sneaking suspicion that some little old ladies and men mow the staff down with their power wheelchairs and Hoverounds purposely.

The "Oops, I'm so sorry" is often said with a devilish laugh.

[didi768]

lol...FUNNY

[sasha2lady]

My don told us that if someone looks like they are going to fall or almost falls that we are supposed to tx it as a fall. And she wonders why we have x amount of falls every day?