Questions on State Visits

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

It has nothing to do with being an RN.. it is all about the nursing staff (actually the entire LTC team) following all of the state/federal regulations. Chances are you know the "right way" to do your tasks and that is exactly what they expect to see. These regulations are developed to enhance the safety of our residents and they expect to see them followed. Although I also get upset with "them" and their approach at times, I can't imagine how LTC coorporations would ever be kept in line without them.

Just remember, you are paid to follow the rules and they get paid to make sure the rules get followed. Someone's got to do it. :banghead:

debRN0417 · Mar 11, 2009

The only time you should be "followed" is if the inspector asks you if she/he can observe your med pass. If you are giving 8am meds at 10 am, that is a problem only if it impacts the resident....of course that is in my state, so don't quote me (hehe)---The inspector may "follow" you to observe you do a treatment, but they should be letting you know this ahead of time. They ask questions, and if you know your residents and about their plans of care, no question should be difficult. If you don't know the answer, say "I don't know, but I can find out"...and find out! They may ask you about your abuse policy, how you monitor and supervise staff to prevent abuse, about your fire procedure, emergency power, missing resident...etc...Know what your facility's policies and procedures are and follow them. Don't worry, everyone gets nervous when someone is watching, it's okay. You'll do just fine!

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Apr 10, 2009

Was recently asked about our emergency procedures, abuse, MARs, and residents on hospice.

Other areas of interest included treatments and food delivery.

evilolive, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2009

Just heard today that the State is in for our survey this week. Joy! I work nights, so I'm hoping that I can avoid them ... we shall see

BEDPAN76 · Apr 29, 2009

That is why I loved working night shift! :nuke: They are due in my facility any day now. Can the tension get much worse???? I know they will pick apart my care plans and hope my RAP notes are OK. :scrying: I'm ready for them to come on and get it over with!!!!! :no:

evilolive, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2009

Hopefully they will only be here through Friday.... I'm pretty positive that my documentation is adequate, I did get some reassurance from my ADON today that I'm doing a 'great job.' Of course she tells me this after "what happened to so and so's butt cream order? We're all going to get screwed!"

Haha, ohhhh my boss...I know her all too well.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 29, 2009

FWIW, going through a state survey as a charge nurse is a picnic compared with being a resident care manager or DON! They walked in the door on my very first day of work at my current LTC job, and I just laughed..........being the veteran of a number of surveys during which everything but my dress size and my age at First Communion was examined minutely and discussed in excruciating detail, I found this one to be completely stress-free!

Just do your job the way you have been taught, answer their questions as honestly and politely as possible, and don't volunteer any information.......wait for them to ask YOU. And be glad you're not sitting in the ADON's or DON's chair :smokin:

BEDPAN76 · Apr 29, 2009

Today, I heard that at one of our sister facilities, they were tagged for failure to shave a female resident's legs! What next???? :confused:

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Apr 30, 2009

I have worked in LTC for years and never once saw anyone shave a resident's legs. What tag could it be under? I would definitely IDR this. We are due for our survey any day now. It is what it is. We take excellent care of the residents.

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2009

I have worked in LTC for years and never once saw anyone shave a resident's legs. What tag could it be under? I would definitely IDR this. We are due for our survey any day now. It is what it is. We take excellent care of the residents.

I would imagine they could make this fall into a dignity tag if this was something that was very important to the resident and they (or their family) chose to make a stink about the issue.

Years ago had a very ambulatory, but fairly advanced alz. resident. She really didn't know her own name and certainly didn't know her kids by name. They threw the biggest ugliest hissy fit over Mom having hairy legs/armpits. All the way up corporate chain over our neglect of her care (and of course corporate backed them up). Said we were neglectful and the family should not have to request this be done. Should be standard of care as much as brushing teeth! Crazy!

debRN0417 · May 2, 2009

Unless the resident is able to speak for themself or the family states that "mom would have died if she were out in public with hairy legs" or something like that, I don't know how a deficiency could be written just based on a surveyors observation. It is not what you or I want, it is what the resident wants. Some women have facial hair. I personally would not want to have facial hair, but if a resident says. "It don't bother me", well then, that is the way it is. There is no deficient practice there. The same with hairy legs- I personally wouldn't want hairy legs, but there are some people who don't care, and some cultures that do not shave....It is not about me, it is all about the resident.