State Surveyors....

debRN0417 · May 24, 2005

start training soon!

donmomofnine · May 25, 2005

My survey started yesterday and they exit Friday at two.....

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

I have seen several surveyers just take a pile of charts and sit in the conferance room with them for hours. They never took a look at the unit, and had no idea what was really going on.

I wish they would have sited the facility for a few things, so mgmt would have had to address some problems.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

Marla,

I call going to administration going over to the "dark side."

donmomofnine · May 27, 2005

I call it a great way of trying to make things better!:)

debRN0417 · May 27, 2005

I call it a great way of trying to make things better!:)

That's why I've chosen to do this. It has always been a dream of mine. I hope to make things better. I have worked for years to gain what I feel is the experience necessary to do a good job. I have worked in many areas, both in administration and on the floor where it really counts...so I know "what it's really like".

Blackcat99 · May 28, 2005

I'm curious. How often do state surveyors give citations for meds not given within the one hour rule?

Butternut · May 28, 2005

What are the duties of state surveyors? How does one find openings for this job?

Thanks.

DONDenise · May 31, 2005

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 ....

Hi !! As a DON, I would like to thank you for the validation that this stuff occurs...some might think that it's all in "our heads" but I didn't think so. I am presently innvolved in a case with the state. Last year we went to court on a case and the team leader for the state did not fair to well, due to numerous inconsistencies in her testimony etc...She then quit the Dept. of Health shortly after. During the trial, her husband became our NEW "Team Leader" and it has been a nightmare ever since...Each surveyor appears to have a different idea about how we should do things, document things, etc...But, where some surveyors are open minded about what's documented etc...our NEW Team Leader is immediately going for the jugular. Can you offer any advice on how to handle this ??

Also, is there any time frames regarding their investigation of a complaint or issuance of a citation ? If an intent to site is issued, how long do they have to actually issue it ?

Thanxs for any info. that you may have to offer.....

pattyzaccy · Jun 8, 2005

what's up with the state surveyors! I know alot of nurses fired because of them they are so unrealistic high and mighty and look at you like you're a piece of s...! Never meet one that was human like

donmomofnine · Jun 8, 2005

We had a good survey team. Had two deficiencies, but they were very, very complimentary and went to great lengths in our exit conference to tell us all the things they looked at ~ weight loss, wounds and falls ~ that we were doing an excellent job on! They were very kind and nice during the entire survey process!:)

DONDenise · Jun 8, 2005

Funny thing is......The ones that I have met, have NEVER even worked in the SNF setting.....

And SNF's are just like people.......There is good and I'm sure there is bad...but, it seems like surveyors (ours anyway) are very prejudiced that all are bad. They will look and look and look, because they have to find something......