Karen A. Szymanski, RN, MSN, MBA
Surveyor Program(s): Accreditation Manual for Hospitals; Long Term Care and Home Care
Surveyor Tenure: x 1994
Lives: Maine
TJC Bio:
- Karen Szymanski received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Maine in Portland; her Master of Science degree in Nursing at Boston University; and her Master of Arts degree in Business Administration at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Prior to joining the Joint Commission, Ms. Szymanski was Director of Clinical Services at Charter Hospital of Long Beach in Long Beach, California; Director of Clinical Services at Modesto Psychiatric Institute in Modesto, California; Associate Unit Chief/Clinical Nurse Supervisor at Jackson Brooke Institute in South Portland, Maine; Nursing Instructor at Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Nursing Executive at the Veteran’s Hospital in Brocton, Massachusetts. Ms. Szymanski is a Sigma Theta Tau member.
Other Background:
Comments & Recommendations
2010
- None provided
2009
- None provided
Relevant Survey History:
| • Tinley Park Mental Health Center 02/09/10 | • Hagedorn 09/27-30/05 |
| • RST Forensic Treatment Center | • Madden Mental Health Center 1009 |
102
** Sample Survey Citations (Premier Level)**
[private Membership premier]
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Sample Citations:
2010
- PC.02.01.01/EP 1, 23/ Observed in Tracer Activities: Groups that patients were scheduled for did not match groups that they attended. Goals and services were not revised based on the patient’s needs/Direct
- PC.02.02.03/EP 6, 22/ Observed in Tracer Activities: three trash cans which were not immediatly being used which did not have lids; A number of containers on shelves in the kitchen had grease and dirt on top of the lids; dirt and stains in the dry storage ares; The facility does not have a current diet manual available to staff on each of the units
- HR.01.02.05/EP 1/ Observed in Individual Tracer: Primary source verification of the renewed licenses for two social workers were received after the expiration of the old license. /indirect
- HR.01.06.01/EP 6/ Observed in Individual Tracer: There was no documentation that the RN’s and Technicians who ran groups were competent to do so; A number of surfaces and containers on shelves in the kitchen had grease and dirt on top of the lids./indirect
2009
- PC.02.02.03/EP 6/ Observed during Nutrition Tracer: in the kitchen, three trash cans which were not immediately being used which did not have lids.
- PC.02.02.03/EP 22/ Observed during Unit Tracer: on one of the patient units, the surveyor requested a diet manual. The document found was a 2000 manual of clinical dietetics published by the ADA (American Dietic Association), a reference manual. A face sheet was signed by a CEO, a Medical Director and a Director of food service who are no longer at the facility. In addition, the manual was not specific for the facility and did not describe the specific diets used at the facility.
- PC.03.05.05/EP 5/ Observed in Individual Tracer: According to organization policy, the RN may initiate an emergency order for restraints with a time limit of one hour. After one hour, the physician is to assess the patient and, if restraints need to be continued, is to write a new order. During review of a restraint it was noted the RN timed an emergency order at 1040 am and then timed a second emergency order to continue the restraints at 1140 am. The physician signed both orders at 12 noon. This does not follow hospital policy.
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