Verbal Abuse of Resident by Nurse Aide
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse aide (NA) verbally abused a resident with severe cognitive impairment, including dementia, depression, adjustment disorder, and anxiety. The resident required moderate assistance for personal hygiene and had a care plan directing staff to use a calm, gentle approach and avoid known triggers. On the morning of the incident, multiple staff members observed the NA approach the resident in the dining room, point her finger, and loudly state she would tell her supervisor to have the resident leave her "the hell alone." The NA admitted during the facility's investigation that she had become frustrated with the resident and intentionally made the statement in response to feeling targeted by the resident. Witnesses, including other nurse aides and a nursing supervisor, confirmed the NA's aggressive behavior and inappropriate language directed at the resident. The facility's policies defined such conduct as verbal and mental abuse, which is prohibited. The incident caused the resident initial emotional distress, although the resident did not recall the event later in the day. The facility's investigation substantiated the abuse based on staff interviews and documentation.