Failure to Provide Dignified Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a registered nurse (RN) assisted a resident with their meal while standing, rather than sitting at eye level as required by facility policy. During the meal observation, the RN was seen standing next to the resident, watching other activities in the dining room, and not interacting with the resident during the meal. The facility's policy on meal service specifies that associates should promote and maintain patients' dignity and respect during meal service. Interviews with the RN, Assistant Dietary Manager, and Dietary Manager confirmed that staff are expected to sit next to residents and interact with them while providing meal assistance. The RN admitted to not following this protocol, stating she had not received training in dining room protocol and preferred not to sit. Both the Assistant Dietary Manager and Dietary Manager agreed that standing while assisting a resident is not dignified and that staff should sit at eye level and engage with residents during meals.