Module 1 (A,B,C,D,E) - Introduction

Question 1

What are some common nursing assistant duties?

Answer 1

-bathing residents
-helping with elimination needs
-assissting with range of motion exercises and ambulation
-transferring residents from a bed to a chair or wheelchair
-measuring vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure)
-assisting with meals
-helping residents dress/undress
-giving backrubs
-helping with mouth care
-making and changing beds
-caring for supplies and equipment
-promoting independence and self-care while performing these duties
-noting and recording important info about the resident
(pg 4)

Question 2

What are some common things nursing assistants are not allowed to do?

Answer 2

-insert or remove tubes
-give tube feedings
-change sterile dressings
(pg 4)

Question 3

What are some other titles for nursing assistants?

Answer 3

nurse aide, certified nurse aide, patient care technician, certified nursing assistant

Question 4

What should a nursing assistant do if they see a resident needs help, but is not on their assignment sheet?

Answer 4

The NA should provide the needed care.

Question 5

What are the minimum standards for NAs set by OBRA?

Answer 5

NAs must complete:
-75 hours of training in topics such as communication, preventing infections, safety and emergency procedures, and promoting residents’ independence and legal rights.
-must also include basic nursing skills, personal care, and how to observe and report changes in the resident’s condition.
-how to respond to mental health and social services needs, rehabilitative needs, and how to care for residents who are cognitively impaired.
-pass a competency evaluation before they can be employed.
-attend a minimum of 12 hours per year of in-service education to keep their skills updated.

Question 6

What does it mean to be professional as an NA towards a resident?

Answer 6

-providing person-centered care
-keeping a positive attitude
-doing only the assigned tasks that are in the care plan and the NA is trained for
-keeping residents’ info confidential
-always being polite
-not discussing personal problems
-not using personal phones in residents’ rooms or in any resident care area
-not using profanity, even if a resident does
-listening to the resident
-calling a resident Mr., Mrs., or Ms., and their last name, or by the name the resident prefers, only
-using the pronouns a resident prefers
-never giving or accepting gifts
-always explaining care before providing it
-following practices, such as handwashing

Question 7

What does it mean to be professional as an NA towards an employer?

Answer 7

-completing tasks efficiently
-always following policies and procedures
-documenting and reporting carefully and correctly
-reporting problems with residents or tasks
-reporting problems with residents or tasks
-reporting anything that keeps an NA from completing duties
-asking questions when the NA does not know or understand anything
-taking directions or feedback without getting upset
-being clean, neatly dressed, and groomed
-always being on time
-telling the employer if the NA cannot report for work
-following the chain of command
-participating in education programs
-being a positive role model for the facility

Question 8

Guidelines: Legal and Ethical Behavior

Answer 8

-Be honest at all times
-protect residents’ privacy and confidentiality. Do not discuss their cases except with other members of the care team.
-keep staff information confidential.
-report abuse or suspected abuse of residents. Help residents report abuse if they wish to make a complaint of abuse.
-follow the care plan and assignments. If you make a mistake, report it promptly.
-Do not perform any task outside your scope of practice.
-Report all resident observations and incidents to the nurse.
-Document accurately and promptly.
-follow rules for safety and infection prevention.
-do not accept gifts or tips.
-do not personally or sexually involved with residents or their family members or friends.

Question 9

What is HIPAA and what does it state?

Answer 9

HIPAA was passed to keep health info private and secure. Under HIPAA, all healthcare organizations must take special steps to protect health info. Employees can be fined/imprisoned for not following these rules.

Only people who must have info to provide care or to process records should know a person’s private health info.

Question 10

Guidelines: Protecting Privacy

Answer 10

-be in a private area when listening/ reading messages.
-know with who are speaking to on the phone. if you are not sure, call back after you find out it is all right share info with this person.
-do not talk about residents in public.
-use confidential rooms for reports to other care team members.
-If you see a former resident or resident’s family member in public, be careful with mentioning their relation.
-do not bring family/friends to the facility to meet residents.
-make sure nobody can see protected info on computer while working.
-do not share confidential info in emails.
-do not share resident info, photos, videos on social media or text messages.
-make sure fax numbers are correct before sending info. Use a cover sheet with a confidentiality statement.
-do not leave documents where others may see them.
-store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy.