Staffing Deficiencies in Nurse Aide Ratios
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the required nurse aide (NA) to resident staffing ratios on several occasions between December 4 and December 10, 2024. On December 5, 2024, the facility had a census of 44 residents, necessitating 4.40 NAs during the day shift, but only 3.00 NAs were available. Similarly, on December 9, 2024, with a census of 42 residents, the evening shift required 3.82 NAs, yet only 3.13 NAs were present. Additionally, the night shift on December 4, 2024, required 3.00 NAs for a census of 45 residents, but only 2.00 NAs were available. The night shifts on December 8 and December 9, 2024, also fell short of the required staffing levels, with only 2.00 NAs available when 2.93 and 2.80 NAs were needed, respectively. The Director of Nursing confirmed during an interview on December 11, 2024, that the facility did not meet the mandated NA-to-resident staffing ratios on the specified days. The report indicates that no additional higher-level staff were available to compensate for these deficiencies, highlighting a consistent shortfall in staffing levels across multiple shifts and days.
Plan Of Correction
The facility attempts to schedule staff to meet the ratios per current state regulations. The facility offers shift bonuses to employees who pick up extra shifts or stay over in case of a call off. Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Nursing Administration all assist to fill in as supplemental staff. An active recruitment campaign is ongoing including sign on bonuses, shift differentials, and employee referral bonuses. Admissions are being limited and denied due to staffing challenges. Nursing Administration will continue to review staffing ratios daily and attempt to cover call off holes as needed. Day sheets will be reviewed daily x5 weekly x2 then biweekly ongoing with payroll review with reports to Quality Assurance.