Abuse and the Duty to Report

At NSHN we are obligated to protect our residents and patients from abuse and neglect. We must ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of the potential for abuse and neglect. This is a ZERO tolerance policy.Types of abuse and neglect that will not be tolerated by staff, volunteers, family or visitors include, but are not inclusive of, are:

Physical Abuse

Use of physical force, administering or withholding a drug inappropriately.

Sexual Abuse

Unwanted contact, remarks of a sexual nature, sexual exploitation

Emotional/Verbal Abuse

Belittling or using a degrading nature of speech, making rude remarks, criticizing or anything that diminishes their self-worth or self-esteem. Insulting or mocking the person, ignoring the person or trivializing their concerns, yelling at, threatening or menacing the person, or speaking disdainfully about patients/residents to other staff members.

Financial Abuse

Misappropriation of money or belongings, unauthorized use of credit cards, checks, etc., and identity theft.

Exploitation or Property or Person

Treating someone unfairly for your own benefit, taking advantage of someone.

Neglect

Failure to provide care, inaction that jeopardizes their well-being.

Duty to Report

ANYONE, who is aware of, or suspects abuse or neglect MUST report it. It can be reported to any NSHN administrative staff.

If you do not report it, you might as well be the abuser.