CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Craighead Nursing Center has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average, but not without its issues. It ranks #102 out of 218 facilities in Arkansas, placing it in the top half, and #2 of 6 in Craighead County, meaning it has only one local competitor that performs better. The facility is on an improving trend, having reduced its issues from five in 2024 to just one in 2025. Staffing is rated 4 out of 5 stars, which is a strength, though the turnover rate is 51%, aligning with the state average. Notably, there have been no fines, which is a positive sign. However, there are some concerns. Recent inspections revealed that the kitchen was not maintained in a sanitary manner, posing a potential risk for foodborne illnesses affecting 84 residents. Additionally, there were failures to transfer residents using mechanical lifts as required, which could lead to accidents. Lastly, the facility did not adequately update care plans for residents with significant changes in their condition, highlighting potential gaps in resident monitoring. While there are strengths, families should be aware of these weaknesses when considering this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Arkansas
- #102/218
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 51% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Arkansas facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 21 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Arkansas. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Arkansas average (3.1)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Arkansas avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
The Ugly 22 deficiencies on record
Apr 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interview, manufacturer guidelines, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure residents ...
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Jul 2024
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interviews, record review, facility document review, and facility policy review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure care plan interventions were added to the care p...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, record reviews, facility document review, and facility policy review, it was determined the f...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interviews, record reviews, and facility policy review, it was determined the facility failed to administer oxygen at the physician ordered rate for 1 (Resident #47) of 1 sample...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0805
(Tag F0805)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure pureed food items were blended to a smooth, lump-free consistency to minimize the risk of choking or other complications for residents...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure dietary staff washed their hands between dirty and clean tasks and before handling clean equipment or food items to prevent potential ...
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Sept 2023
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure timely assistance was provided with eating for 1 (Resident #79) of 1 sampled resident.
1. Resident #79's Comprehensive...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure resident fingernails were trimmed and clean for 2 (Residents #9 and #14) of 2 sampled residents who were dependent for ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Narcotic Lock Box in the refrigerator was permanently affixed to the refrigerator, and expired medications were removed and discar...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0805
(Tag F0805)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure pureed food items were processed to the correct consistency to meet the needs of 6 (Residents #33, #45, #49, #51, #68 and #72) of 6 sa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program (QAPI) Committee developed and implemented effective plans of action to pr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to call lights, walls, privacy curtains, and door handle...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the kitchen area was maintained in a clean and sanitary manner to prevent the potential for food borne illness, as evid...
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Apr 2023
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility failed to ensure mechanical lift transfers were completed in a manner to promote safety and prevent potential accid...
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May 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments were completed at least once every three months to identify any changes in status and f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure comprehensive care plan included the use of hand rolls to pr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments were transmitted within fourteen days of completion for 8 (Residents #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 a...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a hand brace was applied as ordered by the physician to promote healing and prevent potential complication for 1 (Resid...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure humidification was combined with oxygen and oxygen was administered at the flow rate ordered by the physician to reduce...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure frozen food items were kept frozen until used to prevent potential for bacteria growth or food-borne illness for residents who receive...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record reviews and interviews the facility failed to ensure a visitor (Beautician) was appropriately wear...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Social Worker
(Tag F0850)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on interviews and record reviews, the facility failed to ensure a qualified social worker was employed on a full-time basis for the facility licensed for more than 120 beds. This failed practice...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Arkansas facilities.
- • 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Craighead Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Arkansas, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Craighead Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 51%, compared to the Arkansas average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Craighead Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 22 deficiencies at CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER during 2022 to 2025. These included: 21 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Craighead Nursing Center?
CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 121 certified beds and approximately 84 residents (about 69% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in JONESBORO, Arkansas.
How Does Craighead Nursing Center Compare to Other Arkansas Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Arkansas, CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (51%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Craighead Nursing Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Craighead Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Arkansas. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Craighead Nursing Center Stick Around?
CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 51%, which is about average for Arkansas nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Craighead Nursing Center Ever Fined?
CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Craighead Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
CRAIGHEAD NURSING CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.