Staff Lacked Competency in Mechanical Lift Operation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nurses and nurse aides were competent in the operation of mechanical lifts, as required by both facility policy and the manufacturer's guidelines. Specifically, 9 out of 14 staff members investigated, including CNAs and a CNA Supervisor, demonstrated incorrect procedures during resident transfers using the mechanical lift. The facility's policy and the manufacturer's operating manual both specify that the caster brakes of the mechanical lift should remain unlocked when raising a resident from a bed to allow the lift to center itself and increase stability. However, multiple staff members reported and were observed locking the caster brakes during this process. During an observed transfer, staff locked the caster brakes before raising a resident from the bed, contrary to the required procedure. Interviews with several CNAs confirmed their practice of locking the brakes when lifting or lowering residents, indicating a widespread lack of competency in the correct use of the mechanical lift. Supervisory staff and a corporate nurse acknowledged that staff should be following the manufacturer's guidelines, which were not adhered to during the observed and reported incidents.