Survey's Over---How Sweet It Is!!!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

As anyone who's ever lived through one of these knows, the community-based care survey is one of the most stressful experiences a nurse can face. And if you're a nurse-manager, your stress level shoots up into the stratosphere: suddenly the spotlight is on you---surveyors want to see how well you've trained your staff, whether your documentation is up to standards, even if you have all your continuing education hours. And if you're not in compliance, your butt is the one that gets barbecued.

Today, however I am happy to report that all of the hard work is well worth it: not only did my facility pass with flying colors, we were actually commended by the survey team for our quality of care and the thoroughness of our documentation. On January 1st a set of new and much tougher regulations were put in place, and we were surveyed under these new rules even though they've been in effect for a whole three weeks........and we STILL did well.:w00t: NO deficiencies in nursing. NO deficiencies in dietary. NO deficiencies in sanitation. The only areas where we got dinged were in administration, and as the surveyors said, that's only paperwork---easily fixed and not affecting care.

Can we say YA HOOOOOOO!!!!!

In fact, our survey went so well that it was over in less than two days, and the entire exit interview lasted a whole 20 minutes. I've been in facilities where they brought in extra surveyors and took five days to finish, and the exit interview lasted well over two hours. I kept waiting for something to hit the fan, and it never did.......they simply said "We're not a bit worried about the care here, you're doing a wonderful job".

Oh, how sweet it is.............I've busted my butt for five months getting ready for this, and I feel like I just won the Super Bowl. Even the VP of Operations, who NEVER compliments people, told me I'm doing a great job. And I'm so proud of my staff---they had a tough time adjusting to all the new tasks and paperwork I've made them do in preparation, but they've done everything I asked and more. What a team! What a survey! What a RELIEF!!!!!!!:w00t:

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

Dear Marla!

:ancong!::flwrhrts::clphnds::flowersfo

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Thank you........last night I slept better than I have in weeks, and I feel re-energized! YAAAAAY!

[Simplepleasures]

:ancong!:I know you are one of those DONs that deserve all the cudos they get from state surveyors, TRULY.

[hikernurse]

Your packload of stress is about a thousand pounds lighter. Way to go!!!!!

[ebear, BSN, RN]

:cheers: :w00t: :balloons::yelclap: NOW YOU CAN BREATHE!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Marla - I am very happy for you. :icon_hug:

steph

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Congrats on your excellent survey. Condolences on your choice of football teams.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Well done!

[prmenrs, RN]