State Surveyors....

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2005

I'm a state employee RN and the nurses one grade below what I do are the state surveyors. My state employs scads of them. They make not terribly good cash (start at 22$ an hour in the midwestern US) but the benefits and pensions are wonderful. In my state they are split up into geographical areas so no overnights. Lots of travel and report writing.

mlolsonny · Feb 11, 2005

I don't think they could pay me enough to know that everyday, no matter where I'm working, everyone will hate me. BTW, we're being surveyed this week...

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Feb 20, 2005

Maybe I'm just incredibly naive, but when survey time came, it was like the surveyors weren't even there. We just did our thing. And they picked on me. Every time they wanted to ask a CNA a question, it was like, let's ask the scrappy brunette! Maybe I'm too stupid to be nervous.

imperial · Feb 26, 2005

Maybe I'm just incredibly naive, but when survey time came, it was like the surveyors weren't even there. We just did our thing. And they picked on me. Every time they wanted to ask a CNA a question, it was like, let's ask the scrappy brunette! Maybe I'm too stupid to be nervous.

As a former Surveyor, and a researcher/consultant now, I can tell you, first hand, that all Surveyors have their own agenda. Some are definitely in it to make a difference in the Resident's life. Others are in it for the power. There is little consistency in determining non compliance with a regulation due to the degree of subjectivity involved that each Surveyor carries with them, as well as their own baggage they bring to their jobs. There is not only inconsistency within the survey/complaint process, in spite of tools being used, but a degree of unfairness to facilities. I have heard such statements, upon return to the office, as 'cha' ching'... cha' ching'... we got em'.. .THis is NO way for Surveyors to behave. . it is not about us against them, it is about improving the delivery of care system. As a researcher I continue to be appalled at stories I hear ....

pediatriclpn · Feb 27, 2005

I always loved when the surveyors came. Because, magically, we would be overun with staff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH it was LOVELY! Anyway, I always wondered, did the surveyors ever work as a nurse on the floor, or did they just go from school to surveying. Because they never seem to know what it is really like, out in the trenches.

imperial · Feb 27, 2005

I always loved when the surveyors came. Because, magically, we would be overun with staff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH it was LOVELY! Anyway, I always wondered, did the surveyors ever work as a nurse on the floor, or did they just go from school to surveying. Because they never seem to know what it is really like, out in the trenches.

From my experience, this is how is works: The application is merited on various aspects thereby giving a rating score. Then there is an interview with several which merits another rating score. THEN, if that is passed, there is a three hour exam/test that must be passed with a certain score and then the top scores are taken for hire. To my recall, it has been many years, and the system might have changed, the exam was one that if you had geriatric experience you would do ok, and, even without, if you knew your RN education, as well as had some experience, practical, then you would do ok.

Then, after this is passed, there is what is called SMQT which is several days to a week of training at the main office.. THen there is an exam which MUST be taken and passed.. if not passed you can't work as a Surveyor. However, again this was several several yrs ago and I believe there have been some changes to this process. Yes, there are many Surveyors who have worked SNF and they are the most interesting to work with,,, some are very much into an ego trip or control issue when they hit the streets, esp when they survey a facility where they know staff,, then, on the other hand, there are those who are just the opposite..care, work with staff to improve care and are very objective with making decisions for deficient practices. Hope this is helpful.. yes,, btw, I am well aware of the 'tricks' of the trade, so to speak, having worked on both sides. i hope again this is helpful as I was at another board and asked questions and was accused of making allegations, etc etc etc when in fact, I like you just want answers.. Ask away, would be more than happy to help in any way I can to improve care ..

kitty=^..^=cat · Feb 27, 2005

I'm a hospital DON, and if a state survey team leader offered me a position with my same salary, state bennies and pension, you betcha I'd cross to "the dark side", as some folks call it...

I look forward to our state surveys, in a way. It's a good time to ask questions about different standards and trends. Areas where we have weaknesses, I always ask, "Which organizations have you been in that are doing this well?"

I can then get in touch with my counterparts to share information and network... I also can find out what's on the agenda for the future and make plans accordingly. Having a "heads up" on disclosure of medical errors a few years ago gave me time to get the medical staff ready for what they perceived as a grim situation.

imperial · Feb 27, 2005

Kitty cat;; are you in a hospital or SNF? Depending on the state, states only do hospital surveys with JCAHO.. isn't that correct, or have things changed,,

I admire you and hope that all DONs do the same.. kudos to you. :)

Blackcat99 · Feb 27, 2005

Many years ago I worked in a board and care type of homes for the elderly. The owner told the aides to tie up most of the residents in soft restraints at night so they wouldn't fall out of bed. When I left this place I called the state and told them to show up at 10pm and they would find the residents all tied up. So what does the state do? They show up at 7pm before they tie up the residents. I then asked the state if they checked the residents who were already in bed for restraints. They said no because the aide told them that they were asleep and so the state said they didn't want to disturb the sleeping residents. :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire . Fortunately, the aide admitted to the state that the owner told her to tie up the residents at night.

imperial · Feb 27, 2005

for speaking up.. Yes, I have seen this also... and, as I stated, each surveyor has their own agenda, so to speak. Often some don't want to go out late at night to do what should be done.. and, just fit work into their schedules. I hope, eventually, something was done to that board and care...Thanks for speaking out.

kitty=^..^=cat · Mar 18, 2005

I'm in a hospital...

JCAHO and state surveys occur at different times here. We are surveyed by the state team annually, but JCAHO comes every three years (like in all other states). I approach JCAHO surveyors the same way -- they're here to provide education and guidance, not just break our cajones...

DONDenise · May 24, 2005

:angryfire

i have been a surveyor for my state and the feds for the last

i come from the acute care setting and have now been a don in ltc for 4 years....prior to my arrival, my facility went to court to fight a citation, (and they won)....which was great for them, until....the husband of the teamleader (that we were fighting in court), came to our facility and (during the court proceedings) announced himself as our new "team leader".....it's like extortion !! when this "situation" was questioned, he removed himself from our building...but, then next survey, he was right back there.....does this seem acceptable??? we now have a different case in litigation and the surveyor that issued the citation is now sitting in court being attacked by our lawyers and then showing up to discuss complaints...and i am suppsed to believe that they have no ill feelings....??

do we have any rights under these cuircumstances??? help

>4 years, but in acute psych, not ltc.