Pages

Thursday, June 26, 2008

What a week!


Oh yes - it's that time again. The dreaded inspectors are back at the Long Term Care facility I work at. This happens yearly and it is never fun. They come and they stay for a week, watching our every move, following us with their clipboards and writing things down.
Now, I do realize that these inspections are needed. There are some bad facilities out there and it's important that all facilities be checked out and that we all have standards to maintain. That being said, I think all places should be held to the same standard. Did you know that each state has different rules? What's even more amazing to me is that my state has more rules to be met on the west side of the state than the east! Assisted living places don't even have to have these types of inspections.
I also think it would be nice if these inspectors would answer questions and maybe give suggestions on what they would do with some of our difficult patients instead of just saying we should handle things differently. For example, when a person falls we have to fill out all sorts of forms and reports. We are supposed to come up with a way to stop this without using any type of restraint or medication to sedate them. With most people we are successful, but some of our Alzheimer's patients just don't understand and will continue to try to get up and walk although they are physically unable to. We may then be cited by the state for neglect or not having a safe facility.
We are told every year when the inspectors leave that they are impressed with our care of our residents, they can tell we have a caring staff and they like the interaction we have with the residents. They are also always happy with the way our residents skin looks. We don't have bedsores, because we take care to keep them clean and turned to prevent this. However, although they can tell we take care of our residents, they will never leave without finding some things to give us citations on. A few years ago we got a citation on not having a policy on keeping our fly swatter clean! (and that's the truth) Of course, if you looked at our survey it wouldn't say that - it would be under the housekeeping and cleanliness report. The problem is that when the general public looks at these reports, nothing is specified so it really is hard to tell which nursing homes are not as good as another.
Oh well, as I said before, this is a necessary thing. We'll get through it, as we do every year. They will probably leave on Friday and then we can start the process of responding to their survey and writing up a plan of correction for anything they cite us on.
If you want to read another opinion on state inspections, visit my friend Nancy.

post signature

18 comments:

A Stone Gatherer said...

Well I for one think you all ROCK! I haven't been to where you work for quite a few years, but I know you and alot of people that work that and you are wonderful caretakers! Thanks for all you do!

Jean said...

It's never fun to have someone looking for something you do wrong. Hope they'll leave soon without finding anything too picky to fuss about.

Earen said...

I hope everything goes well! They'll be gone soon!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you are just the kind of nurse I would like to have helping my family - what a blessing for you, too, to have such an honorable work environment. Hope it goes well -
Jen

Unknown said...

I hear what your sayin... I feel the same way. We will once again make it through but it can be tough and some of the inspectors just like the power thing I really believe.

Cherdecor said...

Well, today is Friday and I sure hope this is the last day of the inspectors! It is not a pleasant thing to go through. I know that you and Nancy and the others on staff do the very best you can and take very good care of your patients. You and Nancy have the spirit of God in you and that makes all the difference in the world!

Diane said...

I don't think I could handle the pressure of that! It would be hard to take those citations if they were being so nit-picky like that! I think the reports should be more specific so that kids can be better informed of what a facility is like before putting their parents in there. We didn't have much of a choice with my dad between the level of care he needed and the room available but it would've been nice to have an honest report to look at.

Cheri said...

I'm glad it's almost over for you.
It would just be nice if they could do their job while maintaining a pleasant disposition!

Grace Acres said...

Oh I remember those days I also worked in long term care for 4 years and that day was always dreaded. hope you survived.

Rebekah said...

I understand the value of inspections and I am glad to hear that you work in a great place, but that would be so nerve racking to have some one follow me around and take notes. STRESS!!

Glad its done and over for you

Justabeachkat said...

I used to work in banking many many years ago and I always dreaded when the examiners came. It makes you a nervous wreck if though you KNOW you do your very best. And I know YOU do your very best.

Hope today is their last day. I thinking of you.

Hugs!
Kat

Rmomof3 said...

I remember well when OSHA would come and visit some of the facilities that I worked for! Be glad the week is almost over! And... as for that fly swatter business - my word - how silly! I bet you have a plan to keep that fly swatter clean these days! ;-)
Lots of love,
Renee
P.S. How's Andy?

Saija said...

if i ever end up in a long care facility, i would be blessed to have caring folks like YOU & NANCY working there ... :o)

ya ya, i know, a little cholesterol blip and i'm thinking of old age!

blessings on your weekend - tomorrow is our fireworks display, bring a lawnchair and come watch 'em! :o)

Colored With Memories said...

My mom works in healthcare too, so what you are saying resonates with me.

You should really enjoy the upcoming weekend!

Dena said...

yuck!!! i they will put your name in GOLD!!!

Pat said...

A policy for keeping the fly swatter clean! How crazy.
When I thought I would have to find a facility for my Mom, I looked at the reports on facilites I was considering. I now see that those reports don't tell the whole story.
At least you know they'll soon be gone and you can get back to the real business of caring for your patients, the job you do so well!

Laura said...

Oh boy, the crazy things they find. I'm glad you're done for now!

Anonymous said...

Just keep up the good work that you do and the positive attitude that you bring with you each day you work. The only thing that gets me through the day sometimes is knowing that what I do is for God's glory. He knows what we do and how we do it. Your work and the other staff members show that. Sometimes the State people should ask themselves that. Remember when the Feds. were in a few years ago--they said that our nursing home is the one they would like to live in. Thanks for all the hard work. Pat