Resident Left Waiting and Spoken to Disrespectfully by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of atrial fibrillation and anxiety disorder, who was cognitively intact, requested assistance transferring to her recliner by pressing her call light. A CNA entered the room, turned off the call light, acknowledged the request, but did not provide assistance at that time. The resident waited approximately two hours before receiving help, during which she pressed her call light again. When the CNA returned, she used an inappropriate tone and language, telling the resident that staff were short and she had not had her break, which left the resident feeling dismissed and disrespected. The incident was witnessed in part by another CNA, who confirmed that the first CNA complained about being short staffed in front of the resident and left the room to attend to other duties. Multiple staff interviews and a review of surveillance footage confirmed the timeline of the call light being activated, turned off, and the eventual use of the lift to assist the resident. The resident was found crying in her room by the Activities Director, who reported the situation to administration. Interviews with various staff, including the Administrator, DON, and RN/Unit Manager, confirmed that staffing was sufficient on the day of the incident and that the CNA had completed required training on abuse, neglect, and the Vulnerable Adult Act. The resident reported feeling very upset and cried as a result of the CNA's actions and words. Subsequent assessments by the Social Worker and Nurse Practitioner found no signs of psychological harm, but the resident expressed relief upon learning that the CNA was no longer employed at the facility.