Staff Use of Phone During Resident Meal Assistance Violates Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A staff member, identified as an LVN, was observed assisting a resident with their meal while simultaneously talking on the phone. The LVN admitted during an interview that he was on the phone with a doctor at the time and acknowledged that it was inappropriate to be on the phone while assisting residents with meals. He explained that this behavior could distract from the resident, potentially leading to unsafe situations such as the resident picking up something they should not put in their mouth, and described the action as disrespectful. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed in an interview that staff are expected to sit next to residents, assist one resident at a time, and ensure proper hand hygiene before assisting each resident. The DON stated that being on the phone while assisting a resident is not acceptable, citing concerns about lack of attention, potential HIPAA violations, and unprofessionalism. Facility policy reviewed indicated that all residents are to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity, and that being on the phone in the patient care area is not permitted.