Staff Cell Phone Use During Care Undermines Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were treated in a dignified manner, as evidenced by staff using personal cell phones while providing care and during resident interactions. Three residents reported that CNAs were on their cell phones during showers, with one resident stating the aide was on her phone and using earphones throughout the shower, making the resident feel unimportant and not attended to. Another resident described a similar experience, where the CNA answered a phone call and engaged in conversation during the shower, leading the resident to feel that her care was less important than the staff member's personal call. A third resident observed staff frequently using their phones in hallways and the dining room, expressing concern about staff availability if assistance was needed. Review of the facility's Resident Council Meeting minutes from April to June indicated ongoing resident concerns about staff cell phone use during work hours. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are not permitted to use personal phones while at work, especially during resident care, and acknowledged that this has been an ongoing issue. The facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity emphasizes the importance of treating residents with respect and focusing attention on them during care, which was not adhered to in these instances.