Staffing Deficiency Leads to Delayed Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by multiple instances of understaffing from December 1, 2024, to December 18, 2024. The staffing schedule analysis revealed that the facility consistently fell below the required minimum staffing levels, with Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) providing fewer hours of direct care than necessary for the resident census. This deficiency was corroborated by interviews with nursing staff and residents, who reported inadequate staffing levels leading to delays in care. Residents reported significant delays in receiving assistance, with some waiting over an hour for help. One resident mentioned waiting two hours to be taken to the bathroom, which sometimes resulted in missing therapy sessions. Observations on December 17, 2024, showed multiple call lights activated with no staff present, further indicating insufficient staffing. Interviews with CNAs and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) highlighted the stress and overwork due to the lack of staff, with CNAs frequently working double shifts to cover the shortfall. The facility's administrator acknowledged the staffing issues, attributing them to the remote location and recent staff departures. Despite efforts to employ agency and contract workers, the facility struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels. The administrator expressed optimism about improving staffing levels, but the deficiency persisted during the survey period, impacting the residents' care and well-being.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 17, 2025 1. Immediate corrective action: The facility currently has ads posted online and is offering a sign-on bonus to attract new certified nursing assistants to Granville Center. Due to a lack of certified nursing assistants in the local area, the facility recruits out-of-state certified nursing assistants and houses them nearby. 2. All residents and staff have the ability to be affected by this deficient practice. Plan to prevent reoccurrence: The facility currently has ads posted online and is offering a sign-on bonus to attract new certified nursing assistants to Granville Center. Due to a lack of certified nursing assistants in the local area, the facility recruits out-of-state certified nursing assistants and houses them nearby. 3. The facility systemic changes: Increased their certified nursing assistant pay rates on 12/22/24 in an effort to attract more staff. The facility has recruited additional certified nursing assistants from out-of-state who will begin between (MONTH) and February. Should the certified nursing assistant staffing levels fall below the minimum established levels, the Administrator or Director of Nursing will implement the emergency staffing plan. The Administrator, Director of Nursing, and Scheduler will meet 3 times per week to review upcoming certified nursing assistant schedules. The Administrator will organize a recruitment and retention committee to come up with new ideas to recruit and retain certified nursing assistants. 4. The facility emergency staffing plan and ideas from the recruitment and retention committee will be submitted to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee monthly for review and recommendations. Responsible Parties: Administrator