JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center has a Trust Grade of C+, which indicates that it is slightly above average, but still has room for improvement. It ranks #79 out of 264 facilities in Louisiana, placing it in the top half, and is #2 out of 11 in Orleans County, suggesting only one local option is better. Unfortunately, the facility's situation appears to be worsening, with the number of reported issues increasing from 2 in 2024 to 4 in 2025. Staffing is a significant concern, receiving only 1 out of 5 stars, and while turnover is relatively low at 43%, the facility has less RN coverage than 77% of facilities in the state. Recent inspections revealed several issues, including failure to accurately document medication administration and meal intake for residents who require monitoring due to health concerns, highlighting areas that need urgent attention despite some strengths in health inspections.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Louisiana
- #79/264
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 43% turnover. Near Louisiana's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $5,055 in fines. Lower than most Louisiana facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 9 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Louisiana. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 16 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (43%)
5 points below Louisiana average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Above Louisiana average (2.4)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Louisiana avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 16 deficiencies on record
Aug 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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interviews and record reviews the facility failed to ensure nursing staff administered medications timely as ordered by the physician for 2 (Resident #1, Resident #2) of 3 (Resident #1, Resid...
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Mar 2025
3 deficiencies
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
Based on interviews and record reviews, the facility failed to ensure a care plan was developed for a resident who smokes to decrease the risk of smoking related accidents for 1 (Resident #31) of 2 (R...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews the facility failed to administer a resident's Percutaneous Endoscopic Gas...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record reviews, and interviews the facility failed to ensure that controlled drugs were maintained and accurately reconciled for 1(Med Cart A) out of 3 (Med Cart A, Med Cart B, a...
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Sept 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 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 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure a resident with a history of falls received ...
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Mar 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident with a Foley catheter (a medical device that collects urine) was monitored for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infect...
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Dec 2023
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident's medication was available to be administered as ordered and notify the physician when a resident's medicat...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 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 F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure oral medications remained under the direct supervision of S4Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 1 (Resident #R1) of 3 ...
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Sept 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
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure a resident with a history of weight loss had their meal intake documented for each meal for 4 (Resident #1, Resident #2, Resident #...
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Aug 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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to:
1.) Ensure the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) removed gloves and completed hand hygiene during incontinent care for 2 (S5...
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Mar 2023
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the resident's code status was accurate in the resident's p...
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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 observations, interviews, and record reviews the facility failed to ensure a resident, dependent on staff for nail care, received assistance to keep finger nails trimmed for 1 (Resident #112)...
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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 observations, record review, and interviews the facility failed to ensure:
1.
Expired medications were not available for administration to residents for 1 of 4 Carts (Medication Cart A)
re...
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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
Based on record review, observations, and interviews the facility failed to ensure staff changed gloves and performed hand hygiene during incontinence care for 2 (Resident #68 and Resident #112) of 2 ...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to develop a person-centered comprehensive care plan for 1 resident (Resident #322) in a total sample of 11 with percutaneous end...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interviews the facility failed to ensure the care plan meetings were being conducted with the interdisciplinary team for 2 of 2 (Resident #13 and Resident #68) sampled resid...
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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.
- • 43% turnover. Below Louisiana's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 16 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Louisiana, this rating places the facility higher than 99% 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 Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Staffed?
CMS rates JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 43%, compared to the Louisiana average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center?
State health inspectors documented 16 deficiencies at JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER during 2023 to 2025. These included: 14 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center?
JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by PRIORITY MANAGEMENT, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 108 certified beds and approximately 128 residents (about 119% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana.
How Does Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Compare to Other Louisiana Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Louisiana, JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.4, staff turnover (43%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT 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 #1 of 100 nursing homes in Louisiana. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Stick Around?
JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 43%, which is about average for Louisiana 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 Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Ever Fined?
JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT CENTER has been fined $5,055 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Louisiana average of $33,129. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center on Any Federal Watch List?
JO ELLEN SMITH CONVALESCENT 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.