Verbal Abuse by LVN During Dietary Education
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Nurse (LVN) at the facility was verbally abusive to a resident while providing care. The LVN made statements to the resident such as, "you are going to leave here in a pine box" and "if you do not eat, you will die," during dietary education. These statements were reported by the resident's family and overheard by another staff member. The facility's policy defines verbal abuse as any oral, written, or gestured communication that is belittling or derogatory and directed at any resident, and the statements made by the LVN were determined to be abusive and in violation of this policy. The resident involved had a food preference for yogurt, which was brought in by family and encouraged as a good source of protein. The LVN had documented providing education about the importance of nutrition for health and rebuilding strength. Despite having completed mandatory annual abuse training, the LVN engaged in behavior that was considered unprofessional and abusive according to facility standards and the abuse prevention policy.