LPN Competency Gaps in Skin and Wound Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that licensed nurses possessed the necessary competencies to provide appropriate care for residents, specifically in the areas of skin and wound assessment. Review of five licensed nurses' education files revealed that four LPNs did not have documented evidence of being assessed for skin or wound assessment competencies, despite the facility's policy requiring evaluation of staff competencies relevant to their job duties. The facility's own assessment identified skin integrity, pressure injury prevention and care, and wound care as services offered based on residents' needs. However, the competency evaluation packet used for licensed nurses did not include these required competencies, a fact confirmed by the DON during interviews. As a result, the facility did not ensure that staff had the specific skills necessary to meet residents' assessed needs as outlined in their care plans.