Resident Physically Restrained and Struck by Nurse During Exit Attempt
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse physically intervened to prevent a resident with paraplegia, depression, and PTSD from leaving the facility. The resident attempted to exit to the parking lot late at night, and the nurse tried to push the resident back inside. During the incident, the resident grabbed onto the door frame, and the nurse swatted at the resident's hands to make him release his grip. Security camera footage confirmed the nurse's actions, and the resident subsequently called the police to report the incident as abuse. The resident reported feeling scared and unsure of the staff following the event, and expressed ongoing distress, including thoughts of suicide. The facility's investigation substantiated that the nurse violated the resident by slapping his hands during the altercation. The incident was reported to the State Agency, and the facility acknowledged the violation after reviewing the evidence.