Failure to Maintain Resident Privacy During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
A nurse entered a resident's bathroom without announcing herself while the resident was being assisted with a shower by a CNA. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and required substantial to maximal assistance for bathing, reported feeling disrespected and that her privacy was violated by the nurse's unannounced entry. The incident was corroborated by the resident's roommate, who confirmed that the nurse entered without warning and that the resident was visibly upset by the event. Interviews with facility staff, including the ADON, CNA, and DON, revealed that the facility's expectation is for staff to knock, wait for permission, and announce themselves before entering a room where personal care is being provided. The resident is known to be vocal about her preferences and typically only allows certain staff to assist with her care. Despite these established protocols and the resident's clear communication of her preferences, the nurse failed to follow the expected procedure, resulting in a breach of the resident's right to privacy and dignity during personal care.