Resident Denied Dignified Toileting Assistance by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to honor a resident's request to be taken to the restroom, instead instructing the resident to use her brief and stating she would return later to change her. This occurred despite the resident having no impairment in her upper or lower extremities, using a walker for mobility, and requiring only partial to moderate assistance for sit-to-stand transfers. The resident's care plan included encouraging participation in self-care to the fullest extent possible. The resident was observed vocalizing in her room with her call light on when the CNA responded and gave the instruction to use the brief. Interviews with the CNA, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the expectation was to assist residents to the restroom if they requested and were able to transfer safely. The ADON and DON both acknowledged that telling a resident to use their brief instead of assisting them to the restroom was a dignity concern and not acceptable. Facility policy required all employees to treat residents with kindness, respect, and dignity.