Insufficient Nursing Staff Resulting in Delayed Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff with the appropriate skill set to meet the needs of residents on all four halls, as evidenced by direct observation, interviews, and record review. On multiple occasions, staffing levels were observed to be below what was posted or scheduled, with some halls having only one CNA or none at all during rounds. Residents and their family members reported long wait times for assistance, including delays in responding to call lights and incontinence care, particularly during the night shift. Staff interviews confirmed frequent short staffing, especially at night, with some staff required to stay over due to call-ins and unfilled shifts. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) acknowledged ongoing staffing shortages and difficulties in filling positions, despite offering incentives and implementing on-call shifts. Multiple residents and staff described the impact of inadequate staffing, including residents being left in soiled briefs and having to wait extended periods for help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Family members and residents noted a decline in care quality following a change in facility management, with several long-term staff reportedly quitting. The facility did not have a current staffing policy in place at the time of the survey, and management confirmed awareness of the staffing issues but had not resolved them. Observations and interviews consistently indicated that the lack of adequate staffing placed residents at risk of not receiving necessary care.