Failure to Maintain Adequate Night Shift Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nursing staff on all night shifts to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by a review of staffing postings and interviews with residents and staff. Over a 15-day period, the number of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on night shift frequently fell below the facility's own assessment, which stated that 4-6 nurse aides were needed per night shift. On several nights, only 2 or 3 CNAs were present for a census ranging from 73 to 77 residents, resulting in CNA-to-resident ratios as high as 1:37. Licensed nurse coverage was also inconsistent, with 2-4 LPNs per night shift. These staffing levels did not align with the facility's stated requirements based on resident acuity. Multiple residents reported experiencing long waits for call light responses during night shifts, attributing this to insufficient staffing. Staff interviews corroborated these concerns, with CNAs and LPNs stating that the number of aides was inadequate to complete all required tasks and documentation. Staff also noted increased workload and difficulty maintaining care standards due to recent staff departures. Staffing records and time/attendance reports confirmed the reported staffing levels during the period in question.