Insufficient Nursing Staff Resulting in Delays and Unmet Resident Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of all residents, as evidenced by multiple reports from both residents and staff regarding inadequate staffing levels. The facility assessment outlined required staffing numbers for each shift, but interviews revealed that actual staffing often fell below these levels, particularly on certain units and during specific shifts such as evenings, nights, and weekends. Residents consistently reported long wait times for call bells to be answered, delays in receiving care, and instances where staff would turn off call lights without providing the requested assistance. Some residents indicated that they were unable to get out of bed or receive full showers or baths due to the lack of available staff. Staff interviews corroborated these concerns, with certified nurse aides and nurses describing frequent short-staffing, increased workloads, and the inability to provide extra attention to residents who required it. Staff reported that, at times, only two aides were available to care for up to 40 residents on a unit, including several residents who required two-person assistance and mechanical lifts. Nursing staff also reported that short-staffing led to delays in medication administration and required them to assist with direct care tasks outside their usual responsibilities, sometimes resulting in staying late to complete their work. The Director of Nursing acknowledged ongoing staffing challenges, particularly on the most demanding units, and confirmed that staffing was reviewed daily and incentives were being used to attract additional staff. Despite these efforts, both staff and residents reported that insufficient staffing persisted, leading to delays in care and unmet needs. The deficiency was cited under 10 New York Code Rules and Regulations 415.13(a)(1)(i-iii) for failing to ensure adequate nursing staff to assure resident safety and well-being.