The Professional Duties of a CNA

To optimize the quality of the health and well-being of our patients we collaborate as a team. Your position within the team is an integral part of taking care of patients. Your part in this team is to take direct care of the patient at the bedside. From understanding who they are as an individual giving them the respect, they deserve no matter who they are. Always keep an objective look at the individual because one day it could be you or a loved one. To say the least being a patient is quite overwhelming, but being a nurse who is a patient even more so. Each one of us brings a special quality to help improve the well-being of our patients.
You will be hands on throughout your day. From taking vital signs, bathing, feeding, walking or just sitting talking or yes maybe even praying. I have prayed with a number of patients. It shows them that you care and understand. If I was unable to, I would actually inquire about the priests or ministers who came to my hospitals and always had good repoire with them and they would come to speak with my patients. As stated in your guidelines the scope of practice may vary from state to state.
Upon collaborating with your direct nurses regarding each patient make sure you are aware of each patient’s needs. Whichever facility you work at should have assignment work sheets to help give you the opportunity to document such information. Whether patient is a complete total care to partial or even minimal assistance. Remember that each facility has HIPAA guidelines to follow. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal law and very serious. Never take home any documents that pertain to your work day that may have vital information or patient names on them. Dispose of them in the proper shredding bins per the facility you work at.
Always introduce yourself and explain what you will be doing to help them at the time. This gives them a sense of trust and respect.
As RN team leader I always made sure that each nursing assistant I worked with knew that I was available to assist them with whatever task needed to be completed to ensure that our patients receive the care and attention deserved. Remember we are all part of a team. You give respect you receive it tenfold.
Based on the duties of the CNA I will address these areas of vital signs, turning, repositioning and transferring of patients. Serving meals to feeding patients. Assisting patients in their activities of daily living, to acting as a patient advocator and communicator.
Thank you,