Failure to Maintain Current CPR Certification for Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all nurses providing direct care to residents maintained current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, as required by their job descriptions. Review of personnel files revealed that one LPN had a gap in CPR certification, with no evidence of active certification for a specific period. Interviews with the Business Office Manager and the LPN confirmed the lapse in certification, and it was further established that the LPN could be assigned to any unit within the facility. Additional review showed that other LPNs had previously had gaps in certification, but current documentation was eventually provided for them. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 37 residents in the facility who had advanced directives listed as full code, meaning they required all resuscitative measures, including CPR, if needed. The Director of Nursing confirmed that all facility nurses were expected to maintain current CPR certification, and the job description for LPNs also specified this requirement. The census at the time was 51 residents.