Verbal Abuse of Resident by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) was observed and reported to have verbally abused a resident who uses a communication device. On the evening in question, the CNA appeared frustrated while assisting the resident, and the communication device accidentally fell onto the resident's leg, causing the resident to cry. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the CNA responded by mocking the resident's crying and imitating her speech, and also raised her voice, telling the resident to be quiet. Other staff members in the vicinity heard the incident, with one registered nurse (RN) and another CNA corroborating that the resident was being mocked and told to be quiet. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that such actions, including yelling or mocking a resident, are considered verbal abuse and are not acceptable, especially given the resident's communication difficulties. The resident involved has a care plan indicating the use of a communication device to express needs. The facility's abuse prevention policy affirms residents' rights to be free from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment by staff. The incident was substantiated through interviews and record review, showing that the staff member's actions violated the resident's right to be free from verbal abuse and did not align with facility policy or the resident's care plan.