Posted by Susan (68.200.16.10) on January 30, 2004 at 14:56:51:
While waiting for an activities position to open up in my area, I decided to volunteer a bit at a local assisted living facility. This week I was there for a couple of hours to give manicures to the ladies. The AD (who is fairly new and had no previous experience in activities) also did manicures with me. When she started, one resident requested that her nails be cut and the AD proceeded to trim them with the nail clippers. When I have done manicures in the past I have always just removed nail polish, filed and painted their nails with new polish. I learned in my Basic 90 hr. activity course that only someone who is certified to cut nails may do the job. I also remember when my mother-in-law was living with us a few years ago that even the home health aides weren't allowed to trim nails. So I asked the AD if she was qualified to do this (I wasn't familiar with her background) and she said no. I explained that she shouldn't be doing this and she just seemed to shrug it off and continued clipping. What should I do now? Should this be reported and to whom? I hate to be a whistle blower, but I feel in this situation there is just too much risk (both to the residents and in terms of liability for the facility) to just let this go. Also, I suppose if I know about it and don't report it that I'm also liable and risk having my certification (ADPC) affected as well. Any suggestions?