Staff Use of Personal Cell Phones in Patient Care Areas
Penalty
Summary
Two nursing staff members were observed using their personal cell phones in patient care areas, contrary to facility policy. One LVN was seen at a nurse's station looking at her cell phone with an earbud in her ear, and admitted she should not have been using her phone or earbud while on duty. Another CNA was observed texting on her cell phone at a different nurse's station and acknowledged that cell phone use was not permitted while working on the floor, stating that staff were supposed to use their phones only in the break room. The Director of Staff Development confirmed that personal cell phone use is discouraged on the floor to prevent staff distraction and ensure attention to residents, and that use is only allowed before or after shifts or during breaks. The facility's employee handbook also restricts the use of personal electronic devices in work areas, especially those with cameras or recording capabilities. These observations and staff admissions demonstrate a failure to adhere to professional standards of quality regarding the use of personal electronic devices in resident care areas.