Lack of Documented Skills Competency for Newly Hired Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff, specifically newly hired nurse aides and an LPN, possessed the necessary competencies and skill sets required to provide appropriate care to residents. Review of personnel files for three newly hired employees revealed there was no evidence of completed skills competency evaluations to confirm their ability to perform essential hands-on care and techniques as outlined in their job descriptions. These job descriptions included responsibilities such as providing direct personal care, restorative and rehabilitative procedures, medication administration, and other direct care tasks. During an interview, the Director of Nursing confirmed that no hands-on skills evaluations were available for these employees at the time of the survey. This lack of documented competency assessment was identified through review of facility documentation, personnel files, and staff interviews, and was found to be out of compliance with state regulations regarding personnel policies and staff development.