Staff Use of Personal Cellphones During Work Hours
Penalty
Summary
Several nursing staff, including CNAs, a licensed nurse, and a restorative nursing assistant, were observed using their personal cellphones during work hours while on the floor, in the dining room, and at the nurses' station. Staff members acknowledged during interviews that cellphone use while working could lead to distractions, delayed response times, and failure to meet residents' needs. Facility policy, as outlined in the employee handbook and a specific policy on telephone use, prohibits the use of personal electronic devices during work hours except during meal and break periods. Despite this, staff admitted to using their phones in violation of these policies. Residents reported witnessing nursing staff using cellphones in hallways and expressed concerns about staff not paying full attention to residents who might need help. The Director of Staff Development and the Director of Nursing both confirmed that staff use of personal cellphones during work hours was against facility policy and not in line with professional expectations. The Director of Nursing further confirmed that this behavior could result in delays in care and place residents' health at risk. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, staff and resident interviews, and review of facility policies.