Staff Performed CPR Without Current Certification
Penalty
Summary
Nursing staff failed to maintain current CPR certification while providing care to a resident who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The resident, who had diagnoses including pericardial effusion, breast cancer, heart valve insufficiency, and hypertension, was found unresponsive and without a pulse or respirations. Upon discovery, a CNA notified a nurse, and an LPN began CPR while emergency services were called. The facility's documentation indicated the sequence of events, including the initiation of CPR and the use of an AED, until EMS arrived and transferred the resident to the emergency room. Interviews with the involved staff revealed that both the LPN and an RN who participated in the CPR event did not have current CPR certification at the time of the incident. Both staff members obtained their CPR certification online only after the event. The facility's policy required staff to be properly trained and certified in CPR according to American Heart Association guidelines, but this was not followed during the incident.