What to Expect from State Surveyors

hookyarnandblanket · Aug 22, 2015

My guess is that they will somehow find another CNA to work that opening.

As far as how things will go? Do everything you normally do, but make sure you are practicing good infection control (I.e. washing your hands before and after patient care), knock on doors and announce that you're with nursing, make sure you're doing your rounds promptly, all equipment is used properly, limited lift codes are followed, patients have their call lights within reach, and generally go about your day like they aren't there.

If they ask you questions, answer them to the best of your ability. If it's a question you can't answer, say you don't know the answer but will find someone who does and get the answer *and make sure you follow through with getting them the answer.*

It is nerve wracking, but as long as you are doing your job up to code, you have nothing about which to worry.

Princess Bubblegum · Aug 22, 2015

I LOVED state surveys when I worked in LTC because all of our admin/nurse managers would be out on the floor helping out with patient care to put on good appearances.

Know in advance where to find your emergency evacuation plans, MSDS book, etc. Just stay calm, keep busy, be mindful of your hand hygiene and patient safety/dignity. Your residents are still your #1 priority.

Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B · Aug 24, 2015

Be prepared to have them follow you in rooms and ask you questions.

-Use basins for bed baths

-Keep up on incontinent care and repositioning

-don't apply any medicated ointment or powder

-have your gait belt on you and use it correctly

-Don't leave food out in the room of a resident that is a meal alert

-be careful abut what you say to residents, and your tone of voice when you say it

-Practice good safety and infection control as you always should anyways

The state came in on my third day as a CNA. It was nerve wracking, but I survived (even though I got followed and questioned).

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Aug 25, 2015

Yeah, that won't happen. Your DON will start toileting residents and helping at the feeder table as a CNA before your facility appears to be short staffed on a survey day!

I've been told that the nurse's side of things when the State Surveyors arrive is much more difficult than the CNA's side. But what can I expect to happen during a State Survey as a CNA?
I'm 18, and I'm a new CNA who has been working at an LTC facility for almost a month now, and I'm still rough around the edges. I'm still getting the hang of everything, but just when I'm starting to feel a LITTLE comfortable with everything, State shows up on my day off (which was yesterday). And I'm coming in to pick up an extra shift tomorrow... this is my very first survey, and I'm really REALLY scared and nervous...
Not to mention I was ALSO told that we'd be working with one less CNA on my wing, so now the CNA staff working that wing has twice the amount of residents to care for on one run. I'm even MORE scared and nervous because of that - I already get stressed out from being assigned to more residents... this survey is making me feel worse...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated...