Chapter review on the Role of a Nurse Assistant in the Long-term Care Facility

Chapter review on the role of a nurse assistant in the long-term care facility

A nurse assistant's duties can include the following:

• Helping a resident to dress



•  Making beds



•  Helping a resident to eat



•  Helping a resident to move safely around the facility



•  Encouraging residents to eat and drink



•  Keeping a resident's living area neat and clean



•  Helping a resident with their ADL's (activities of daily living)

Nurse assistants spent more time with the resident then any other staff member. They are the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. Observing any changes in the residence's condition and reporting them is a very important role. You will also be charting any information about the resident.

Defining professional behavior

Being professional with the resident includes:

•  Calling the resident Mr. or Mrs. or by their given name if they prefer



•  Always following the facility's policies and procedures



•  Never giving or accepting gifts



•  Keeping all resident's information confidential



•  Keeping a positive attitude at all times



•  Doing only the tasks assigned by the charge nurse



•  Never using profanity



•  Listening to the resident's needs



•  Being well groomed, neatly dressed and clean



•  Always documenting in a resident's chart carefully and correctly



•  Asking questions when you do not know or understand something



•  Always being on time to work



•  Following the chain of command



•  Communicating problems with the resident or with the tasks assigned



•  Taking direction or criticism without getting angry or upset

Some of the qualities necessary for a nurse assistant are:

•  Compassion. Being compassionate is being caring, considerate, concerned, and understanding.



•  Empathy. Empathy means entering into the feelings of others.



•  Sympathy. Sympathy means sharing in the feelings and difficulties of others.



•  Honesty. In order to give care to a resident the resident must trust you. Being honest with a resident about what you can I cannot do will help develop trust. Whenever you tell a resident you will do something be sure and do it. These actions will help you develop trust with your resident.



•  Tacked. Tact is the ability to understand what is proper and appropriate when dealing with others. It is the ability to speak and act without offending others.



•  Dependability. It is important for a nurse assistant to keep their commitments. A nurse assistant must get to work on time and must be ready to work. Too many absences from work puts pressure on other employees and can cause teamwork to suffer.



•  Respect. Being respectful means valuing other people's individuality. This includes their age, religion, culture, feelings, and beliefs. People who have respect for others treat others politely and kindly. Do not do or say things that will harm other people's feelings. Do not disrespect others by gossiping, complaining, or making fun of other religions, cultures, etc.



•  Prejudiced. You will be working with many different types of people with many different types of backgrounds. Give each resident quality care regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religion. In other words treat others as you would like others to treat you.



•  Tolerance. There will be many times that you do not like or agree with the things that your resident or their family members may do or say. Your job is to care for the residents you are assigned to. Your judgment or opinion is not relevant in this situation. Keep them to yourself.

Good personal grooming habits

It is important when working closely with the residents to consider your personal grooming. Here are some things to remember;

•  Bath or shower on a daily basis. Us deodorant or antiperspirant. Do not use perfume because your residence may be allergic. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash.



•  Tie long hair back into a bun or ponytail



•  Dress according to your facilities policies and procedures. Be sure your clothes are clean and neat, ironed and free of stains



•  Do not wear jewelry that is large or can get in your way. If you are working with Alzheimer's patients, hoop earrings can be very dangerous. Alzheimer patients, without knowing, can easily grad hoop earrings and pull them out of your ears.



•  Keep your fingernails short and clean. Long fingernails can scratch a resident. Nails are also a great place for bacteria to hide no matter how often we wash our hands.



•  Apply any makeup very lightly.

Who are the members of the healthcare team

There are many people that care for the resident. Here are some of the residence caregivers:

• Registered nurse (RN). A registered nurse is a licensed professional. They have completed two to four years of education. They have passed a license exam given by the State Board of Nursing. A licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse is also a licensed professional.



•  Physicians and doctors diagnose disease or disabilities and prescribe treatments and medications



•  The physical therapist gives therapy in the form of heat, cold, massage, ultrasound, electricity, and exercise to people with muscle, bone, and joint problems. A PT helps a person to safely use a walker, cane, or wheelchair.



•  An occupational therapist helps residents learned to compensate for disabilities. They will help a resident relearn the ability to use an arm or fingers.



•  A speech therapist helps with speech and swallowing problems.



•  A registered dietitian or nutritionist creates diets for the resident with special needs. Special diets can improve health and help manage illness.



•  A social worker will help with the resident's personal needs. A social worker can help a resident without family support obtained clothing personal items help with funeral arrangements or booking appointments and transportation.



•  The activities director plans activities such as bingo or art classes, etc.



•  A nursing assistant, nurse aide, or certified nursing assistant, spends 80% of their time helping the residence with activities of daily living. A nurse assistant must have at least 75 hours of training.



•  Also part of the healthcare team is the residence's family. The resident's family can provide physical support, financial support, and emotional support for the resident.

Understanding the chain of command

It is important to know who you are to report to when problems arise. In a nursing home or assisted-living as well as a hospital you will find that the administrator is at the top of the chain of command. Under the administrator is the head of medical services, then the director of nursing, assistant director of nursing, staff development coordinator, nursing supervisor, charging nurse, staff nurse, and nursing assistance. As a nurse assistant your direct report is to the staff nurse.

What is a "care plan"

A care plan is a guide that helps the resident maintain the best level of health possible. Activities not listed on the care plan should not be done without permission from a nurse. The care plan must be followed very carefully.

Care plans are reviewed every 90 days to be sure that the goals stated in the care plan are being achieved.