Failure to Ensure Staff Identification Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promote and enhance a resident's right to a dignified existence and respect. A resident with severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 6 out of 15 and diagnoses including dementia, osteoarthritis, and metabolic encephalopathy, was observed during care interactions where staff did not follow established protocols for resident dignity. Specifically, a registered nurse providing care was not wearing a name badge, which is required as part of the staff uniform and is necessary for residents and families to identify staff members. The nurse admitted to not usually working on the unit, being unfamiliar with the residents, and not having the name badge visible because it had fallen off in the break room. When questioned, the resident was unable to identify the nurse by name and confirmed the absence of a name badge. Further interviews with other staff, including the unit manager and administrative staff, confirmed that wearing identification badges is a facility requirement and part of the uniform. The facility's Resident Rights policy states that each resident should be cared for in a manner that promotes well-being, satisfaction, self-worth, and self-esteem. The failure of the nurse to wear a name badge and ensure proper identification was recognized by staff as not demonstrating dignity and respect for the resident, directly contravening facility policy and resident rights.