During your clinical rotation interview a nursing assistant. This individual may be unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This interview should address the following

QUESTION

During your clinical rotation interview a nursing assistant. This individual may be unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This interview should address the following:

  1. What is the scope of their position?
  2. What are their daily duties?
  3. What is their expectation of their nurse?
  4. What other interprofessional team members do they work with? What does that role look like?

ANSWER

Unveiling the Role of Nursing Assistants in Healthcare: A Comprehensive Interview

Introduction

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, nursing assistants play a vital role in providing quality patient care and ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. Whether they are unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) or certified nursing assistants (CNAs), their scope of practice and daily duties are crucial components of a well-functioning interprofessional team. In this interview, we will explore the scope of their position, their daily responsibilities, their expectations of their nurse, and the interprofessional team members they collaborate with.

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Scope of the Position

Nursing assistants, including both UAPs and CNAs, work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) (Nursing, 2021). Their primary role is to provide direct patient care and support to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of patients. The scope of their position typically includes tasks such as assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitoring vital signs, collecting patient data, documenting patient information, and maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.

Daily Duties

On a daily basis, nursing assistants perform a variety of essential duties that contribute to the overall care and comfort of patients. These duties may include:

Assisting with ADLs: Nursing assistants help patients with tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding. They also provide assistance with mobility, transferring, and toileting.

Vital Sign Monitoring: Nursing assistants frequently measure and record vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. This information is crucial for monitoring patient health and detecting any abnormalities.

Patient Support: Nursing assistants offer emotional support and companionship to patients, addressing their concerns and ensuring their comfort. They provide reassurance and maintain a compassionate presence throughout the patient’s healthcare journey.

Documentation: Accurate and timely documentation is an essential aspect of a nursing assistant’s responsibilities. They record vital signs, ADL assistance provided, changes in patient condition, and any observations made during their interactions with patients.

Safety and Infection Control: Nursing assistants play a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients (Collins, 2008). They assist with infection control measures, including proper hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and maintaining a clutter-free patient care area.

Expectations of Their Nurse

Nursing assistants rely on their nurses for guidance, supervision, and collaboration to deliver safe and effective patient care. Their expectations from nurses include:

Clear Communication: Nursing assistants expect nurses to provide clear instructions, share important patient information, and communicate any changes in the care plan or patient condition promptly.

Support and Guidance: They rely on nurses for guidance in complex patient care situations, clarification of policies and procedures, and assistance with problem-solving.

Delegation and Supervision: Nursing assistants expect nurses to delegate tasks appropriately and provide supervision when necessary. This helps ensure the completion of tasks within their scope of practice and promotes patient safety.

Interprofessional Team Collaboration

Nursing assistants work closely with a diverse interprofessional team to provide comprehensive patient care. Key team members they collaborate with include:Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Nursing assistants often work under the direct supervision of RNs or LPNs (Barrow, 2022). They collaborate closely, sharing information about patient needs, assisting with procedures, and reporting any changes in patient condition.

Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs): In rehabilitation settings, nursing assistants may work alongside PTs and OTs to assist patients with exercises, mobility training, and activities aimed at improving independence.

Social Workers: Nursing assistants may interact with social workers to ensure patients’ social and emotional needs are met. They provide valuable input on patient behavior and assist in coordinating support services.

Conclusion

Nursing assistants, whether UAPs or CNAs, are integral members of the healthcare team. Their position encompasses essential tasks that contribute to patients’ well-being and overall care. Their collaboration with nurses and other interprofessional team members ensures the provision of comprehensive and patient-centered care. By understanding their scope of practice, daily duties, expectations of their nurse, and interprofessional collaborations, we can optimize healthcare delivery and enhance patient outcomes.

References

Barrow, J. M. (2022, July 25). Five Rights of Nursing Delegation. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519519/ 

Collins, A. S. (2008b, April 1). Preventing Health Care–Associated Infections. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2683/ 

Nursing, O. R. F. (2021). Chapter 1 Scope of Practice. Nursing Fundamentals – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591808/ 

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