Failure to Ensure Staff Maintained Current CPR Certification
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse failed to maintain current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification while being responsible for providing emergency care to a resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including Parkinson's disease and hypertension, was identified as having moderate cognitive impairment and required two-person assistance for mobility and toileting. The resident's care plan and physician's orders specified full code status, indicating that all life-saving measures, including CPR, were to be implemented in the event of a medical emergency. On the evening in question, the resident experienced multiple episodes of vomiting and bowel movements, after which the nurse assessed the resident and found them unresponsive with no pulse. The nurse initiated chest compressions and emergency medical services were called. However, upon review, the nurse was unable to provide documentation of current CPR certification, and the Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that maintaining the nurse's certification had been overlooked. Facility policy required that CPR be performed by a CPR-certified licensed nurse, but no evidence of the nurse's prior certification was provided.