Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity and Respect During Medication Dispute
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity during an interaction regarding missed pain medications. The resident, who had diagnoses including fibromyalgia, low back pain, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, was cognitively intact and able to communicate her needs. On the day in question, the resident did not receive her scheduled pain medications at the expected time and reported being in pain. She made multiple calls to the front desk requesting her medications, but the nurse did not arrive until several hours later. When the nurse finally entered the resident's room, both the resident and the nurse raised their voices during the exchange. The resident reported that the nurse was condescending, clapped her hands at her, and acted in a superior manner. A CNA who witnessed the incident stated that the nurse spoke forcefully and with an attitude, describing the interaction as disrespectful and not conducive to resolving the situation. The CNA also noted that the nurse's tone was inappropriate and that she had never seen the resident so upset before. Interviews with facility leadership confirmed that staff are expected to communicate with residents in a polite and dignified manner. The DON and administrator acknowledged that speaking to a resident in a disrespectful way constitutes a violation of resident rights and dignity. The facility's policy also states that residents have the right to a dignified existence and must be treated with respect at all times.