ST CATHERINE OF SIENA
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
St. Catherine of Siena in Caldwell, New Jersey, has a Trust Grade of C, indicating it is average compared to other nursing homes. It ranks #297 out of 344 in the state, placing it in the bottom half of New Jersey facilities, and #29 out of 32 in Essex County, meaning only a few local options are worse. The facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 6 in 2023 to 7 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, boasting a low turnover rate of 15%, much better than the state average, although it has a poor 1-star rating overall. The facility has concerning fines of $16,171, which are higher than 86% of New Jersey facilities, suggesting compliance issues. Specific incidents noted by inspectors include the failure to conduct annual performance reviews for all Certified Nursing Aides, meaning staff may not be receiving the necessary feedback and training. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that CNAs received required in-service training, which could impact the quality of care provided to residents. There was also a significant concern regarding infection control, as the facility lacked a certified individual responsible for infection prevention, potentially risking the health of all residents. These factors highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of St. Catherine of Siena, making it important for families to carefully consider their options.
- Trust Score
- C
- In New Jersey
- #297/344
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 15% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 33 points below New Jersey's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $16,171 in fines. Higher than 86% of New Jersey facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 23 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (15%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (15%)
33 points below New Jersey average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Below New Jersey average (3.2)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 18 deficiencies on record
Jan 2025
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to notify the resident's representative and the Office of the Ombudsman in writing for an emergency trans...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to provide the resident or resident representative appropriate written notification of the facility's bed hold and res...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. On 12/27/24, at 09:56 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #17 seated in their wheelchair with eyes closed.
On 12/31/24 at 9:5...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to administer oxygen (O2) therapy according to the physician's order for 1 (one) of 2 residents (Resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0811
(Tag F0811)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and review of pertinent facility documentation, the facility failed to ensure facility staff that were utilized to assist residents that needed to be fed were appropria...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview and review of facility provided documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) received an annual performance...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that ...
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Oct 2023
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a significant change as...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to accurately complete portions of the Minimum ...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to develop a comprehensive, perso...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to update and revise a Care Plan to include a behavior for...
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CONCERN
(D)
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, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow monitoring guidelines during medication administration in accordance with acceptable standards o...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to issue the proper required Skilled Nursing F...
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Oct 2022
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and record review, the facility failed to notify their designated State Ombudsman for hospital transfer...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete a significant change Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for one of 12 residents (Resident (R) 25) reviewed for MDS accuracy in a to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, record review, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure staff monitored and documented ordered blood pressure (BP) readings for one of one resident (Resident (R) 11) review...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure that the designated individual responsible for the infection control program was certified in infection prevention. This fa...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that staffing information was prominently posted in an area that was readily assessable to residents and visitors daily. This had the...
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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.
- • 15% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 33 points below New Jersey's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • $16,171 in fines. Above average for New Jersey. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade C (58/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is St Catherine Of Siena's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ST CATHERINE OF SIENA an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within New Jersey, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is St Catherine Of Siena Staffed?
CMS rates ST CATHERINE OF SIENA's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 15%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at St Catherine Of Siena?
State health inspectors documented 18 deficiencies at ST CATHERINE OF SIENA during 2022 to 2025. These included: 17 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates St Catherine Of Siena?
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 30 certified beds and approximately 26 residents (about 87% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in CALDWELL, New Jersey.
How Does St Catherine Of Siena Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, ST CATHERINE OF SIENA's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (15%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting St Catherine Of Siena?
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 St Catherine Of Siena Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ST CATHERINE OF SIENA 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 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in New Jersey. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at St Catherine Of Siena Stick Around?
Staff at ST CATHERINE OF SIENA tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 15%, the facility is 30 percentage points below the New Jersey average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly.
Was St Catherine Of Siena Ever Fined?
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA has been fined $16,171 across 4 penalty actions. This is below the New Jersey average of $33,241. 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 St Catherine Of Siena on Any Federal Watch List?
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA 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.