What to do when state comes in?

SavageWist · Jun 22, 2006

i always walk up to them introduce myself, let them know i am the floor nurse. i tell them i have such and such treatment to do and i invite them to go with me. many times they will just ask me a few questions and they are through with me. only on a few occasions have they said yes i would like to go with durning the treatment.

if they ask a question that i am not able to answer i will say, "give a few minutes and i will have that answer." i always make it a point to get back with them with their answer.

pumpkin92356 · Jun 27, 2006

As a CNA of 28 years and been through the dark ages of the L.T.C. facility

,make sure that you always show that you are respecting the patients dignity and right to choose issues. That call lights are answered promptly and in my experiences with the state inspectors never say "I dont know" say "I'm not sure of that but I will direct you to someone who would know the answer to your question" "Pour, Pass, and Document when passing meds and identify your residents never pass meds in hallway unless okay with patient and vitals signs etc. and last but not least and this is usually on every inspectors agenda, your facilities elder abuse policy make sure you know the steps that are taken if you should or someone on your watch witnesses what the state considers abuse boy are they big on that one every survey I have every been around they somehow come up with that one and over half the staff at these previous facilities didnt know the answer. Good Luck, Pumpkin92356

PumpkinButt · Jun 28, 2006

[*]Hide when you see one of the surveyors coming your way!:roll
[*][*]Get rid of any pre-poured meds anywhere in your med cart. Make sure your orals are separated from any rectal meds. Do a quick check for outdated eye drops and topicals and get rid of them. No treatment medications should be in the medication cart. Today you have to do everything by the book, so sign out meds as you give them.
[*]Keep your med cart locked at all times. Same with the treatment cart.
You know, if you make it a practice to do things the right way from day 1, you don't have to worry about dumping meds and running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to make things right. That's when you make a mistake...and state knows that.

chadash · Jun 28, 2006

Try repeated genuflexion and a mantra of "I am unworthy, I am unworthy..." It has always worked for me.

anndoodle · Jun 28, 2006

This question always tickles me. The LTC where I used to work was total chaos when state entered the building...several nurses would run like chickens with their heads cut off.

Basically, all you have to do is do your job. And do it right. If you do your job correctly every day, then state should be no problem for you. The ones that get hysterical and are nervous wrecks are the ones who probably don't do things they way they're supposed to. If you do your job right, then there's nothing to worry about. Just do what you would normally do! And do it with a smile!

Faby · Jun 29, 2006

Also make sure that your staff has their name tags, transfer belts, etc... on them if your facility uses that kind of thing. And make sure that they know the correct mode of transferring the resident ie: mechanical lift, 2 person, one person, SBA or whatever. If the transfer is not done as to how it is stated in the care plan, then that can be a deficiancy.
Also make sure that the care plans are UP TO DATE!!!!!!!! Make sure to change them if anything changes with the resident.
Just relax and realize that they are not out to get you! Don't be afraid to tell them that you're nervous or haven't done something for awhile. I started at a facility as a charge nurse after being out of nursing for awhile and was nailed by State. I just told the surveyor that I hadn't done a procedure for awhile, and she just said to relax, take my time and do it how I normally would. These people are made out to be mean and nasty, but remember, they are human and they have done this before!

Hi: I was reading your post, and I was wondering what would your responsiility be as a charge nurse for the State. I mean, what would be on your license fro them. My question is because I'm from outside the country and just started a s a charge nurse in our facility. i've been working in the unit in this same shift for a while, but since i had to orient to this new system, i was only passing meds, and I wasn't really in charge. I really don't know what to expect when the State comes in. I was told that last year they got sided in my unit, which by the way is a mess, We have a new unit director, since this week, and I'm afraid the facility is putting my license in the line. I'm really scared, although they keep saying "you're doing a great job up there", but it seems to me that my license is in the line. i'd appreciate your input. thanaak you

debRN0417 · Jul 1, 2006

As a surveyor, just do what you do everyday, 'cause if you're doing the right thing then you don't have to worry! Most of us have been on "the other side of the table". I know I certainly remember what it was like!

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 3, 2006

I am curious if any of you know how to become a surveyor. Do I look up my state's DPH website? How hard is it?

debRN0417 · Jul 4, 2006

I am curious if any of you know how to become a surveyor. Do I look up my state's DPH website? How hard is it?

In my state it is a state" position and the vacancies are posted on the State employment jobsite.

Training is provided by the state and CMS.

miller514 · Jul 10, 2006

I know how you feel. I was always terrified when state walked in the door. I had the opportunity to work with a nurse last year who was phenominal with state surveyors. She talked to them and chatted the whole time. This year while in state survey I had to do a neb tx, eye gtt, accu check, insulin, and meds including crushed!! As i was preparing I chatted for a minute with the surveyor. Asked how long she had been a nurse did she ever get nervous with survey what type of nursing she had done, etc. I felt a bit more comfortable and she seemed a bit less intimidating. Needless to say everything that could go wrong did, my lancette was defective, my neb tx tubing came apart in the middle, my perfect patient refused meds, It was a disaster. I made a comment to the surveyor that of course everything that could go wrong did. She stated it was the state mojo. They bring it with them and laughed and stated don't worry I know how it can be if it can go wrong it will as soon as we walk in the building. The next day when she came in she smiled at me in the hall and said I left my mojo at home today just for you. It made it a little easier to see her as a fellow nurse and not someone standing there just waiting for me to make a mistake.

IcantThinkofaName · Jul 11, 2006

we're getting surveyed started today at 6am!!!!!! they came like a whirlwind!!!! :uhoh3:

banditrn · Jul 11, 2006

NebbyLPN - why is it illegal to have a communications book? I've never heard that - we had them at the hospital too!