Failure to Ensure Dignified and Respectful Care by Nursing Assistant
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four residents were treated with dignity and respect during care provided by a nursing assistant (NA-P). Multiple grievances and interviews revealed that NA-P performed care too quickly, used a harsh tone, and made inappropriate or demeaning comments. One resident reported increased anxiety and feelings of worthlessness when assisted by NA-P, while another described NA-P as rough and preferred not to receive care from her. Additional residents stated they would avoid requesting assistance from NA-P due to her behavior, which included loud, inappropriate remarks and a lack of bedside manner. Staff interviews corroborated these concerns, with one nursing assistant observing NA-P intentionally agitating residents and reporting this behavior to management. Review of NA-P's employee file showed prior coaching and written warnings for disrespectful, condescending, and rushed care, as well as complaints from both staff and residents about her tone and conduct. Despite these documented issues, management responses focused on coaching NA-P to slow down and treat residents as individuals, but residents and staff did not observe significant improvement. Facility policy defines personal degradation and mental abuse as actions or statements that harm a resident's dignity or cause humiliation, fear, or agitation, which aligns with the behaviors reported in this case.