Columbus nurse's assistant pleads guilty to abusing patient
Windsor Place Nursing and Rehab Center
Jordan Novet June 29, 2009
Columbus nurse's assistant Janice Lovelace, 40, admitted Friday she abused a patient at the Windsor Place Nursing and Rehab Center.
Lovelace pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor abuse of a vulnerable adult Friday in Lowndes County Justice Court before Judge Mike Arledge, according to a press release from Attorney General Jim Hood.
Lovelace, a certified nurse's assistant, had struck a patient's buttocks. The patient was bruised and "visibly shaken by the event," but "wasn't seriously injured physically," according to Hood.
Mark Clay, the Windsor's administrator, said Lovelace was dismissed from the center about a year ago. He did not recall what day she was dismissed.
"We would've discharged that person the same day we made the report to the state," he said.
The Windsor's staff does not condone physical abuse or intimidation by employees or visitors, Clay said.
"That's something that we zealously adhere to," he said. "We preach that with our employees from the day one they're hired."
A phone number listed in Lovelace's name was disconnected Monday afternoon.
Lovelace was sentenced to pay $874.50, which comprises a fine and court costs. Her name will be added to a registry prohibiting her from working at any care facility accepting Medicaid for at least five years, according to the press release.
"Providing care to the elderly, mentally handicapped, and even children can be very demanding and at times difficult work," said Attorney General Hood. "It takes a special person to work in this field: Someone with lots of patience and self control. It is best to know and understand your limitations before working with this population, because once you've raised your hand in anger or frustration to one of these vulnerable individuals it becomes a crime, and one this office will prosecute you for committing."
How sad..someone would abuse an elderly helpless person.As stressful as the job may be,you never should abuse or intimidate a patient. The patient is at the mercy of others to care for them. Healthcare takes people with a big heart and a special kind of understanding. This nursing assistant needs to find a different field to work in. Suspending her for five years is not the answer. The potential for her to do it again is there.
Sylvia Hartness-Williams
Nurse/Paralegal
Destin Florida
I agree with the above 100% it's a hard job but if you do not have the patience to to give them the care they deserve you shouldn't ever be able to work in healthcare again it's people like this lady who corrupt healthcare!
I also agree with the above, I Think she do not belong in this field because once again you got to have patient and understanding with them and dont forget LOVE.
I would have to agree with all of the above responses. An individual that has built in potential anger, should not be around innocent souls such as these. The family members and faculty of this care expect the best from the employees, and this was not one. I honestly do not think that five years of suspension is not enough time for her to think about what she has done. She should never be allowed in that field every again.
Mark as inappropriate
