Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity and Respect During Care Interaction
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity during an interaction involving assistance with the resident's television. The resident, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, anxiety disorder, visual impairment, and hearing difficulties, was dependent on staff for emotional, intellectual, physical, and social needs. The resident reported that staff were rude, spoke negatively about him, and that he had difficulty operating his TV remote due to his visual impairment. During an observation, the CNA entered the resident's room, made a dismissive comment about the resident's request for the TV, and failed to address the resident directly before leaving the room to get batteries, despite the resident expressing confusion as she exited. Interviews with the CNA revealed a lack of awareness regarding the importance of explaining actions to residents and addressing them respectfully, especially when leaving the room. The CNA did not perceive her actions as disrespectful or as a violation of the resident's dignity. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator both stated that staff are expected to explain their actions to residents and ensure their needs are met before leaving the room. The facility's policy requires that residents be treated with respect and dignity, and that their individual needs and preferences be accommodated.