Lack of Documented Mechanical Lift Training for Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that both agency and facility-employed nursing staff demonstrated competency in the use of mechanical lifts for resident transfers. Specifically, five staff members, including both agency and facility staff, did not have documentation of mechanical lift training in their personnel files. Interviews with nursing assistants revealed inconsistent practices regarding the number of staff required for mechanical and standing lift transfers, with some staff expressing concerns about agency staff using improper techniques, such as attempting transfers with only one staff member. These concerns were reported to supervisors, but no documentation of required training was found for the identified staff. During interviews, staff members described varying practices and acknowledged intervening when improper transfer methods were observed. The Administrator and DON were unable to provide evidence of mechanical lift training for the staff in question, despite further attempts to locate such documentation. No additional documentation was provided to demonstrate that the staff had received the necessary training to safely operate mechanical lifts, as required by facility policy and state regulations.