Verbal Abuse of Resident by Registered Nurse
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse (RN) verbally abused a resident who was under hospice care with diagnoses including Alzheimer's, dementia, and repeated falls. The resident was dependent for all care, required frequent monitoring, and had a very low BIMS score, indicating severe cognitive impairment. On the evening in question, the resident was placed in a hallway recliner for closer supervision due to repeated attempts to get out of bed, which posed a fall risk. Multiple staff members witnessed the RN using degrading and inappropriate language toward the resident, including yelling, making threats, and physically handling the resident in a rough manner. Specific statements included threats to push the resident down the stairs and dismissive comments about the resident's safety. The facility's investigation substantiated the verbal abuse through several staff witness statements and a review of the RN's own admission of inappropriate language and emotional breakdown during the shift. The RN's personnel file indicated a decision not to rehire and noted that the RN would have been terminated for verbal abuse. The facility's abuse prevention policy defined verbal abuse as the use of disparaging or derogatory language within hearing distance of residents, which was consistent with the actions observed and reported by staff.