Part 1: Nursing Code of Ethics

A certified nursing assistant, also referred to as a CNA provides support and assistance to patients or clients in their healthcare journey. They work closely with a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Other terms used for this role include Nursing Assistant (NA) Patient Care Assistant (PCA) or State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA). It is crucial for individuals in this position to possess work and the necessary skills. However there are procedures that CNAs are not permitted to perform due to liability concerns.

The Nursing Code of Ethics includes:

The Nursing Code of Ethics encompasses a range of subjects including;

  • The use of media, patient confidentiality and the role of nursing, in protecting privacy.
  • Ensuring that nurse to patient ratios are maintained at levels that allow for care provision.
  • Setting standards for nursing documentation practices.
  • Incorporating principles of health into nursing practice.
  • Defining the boundaries and responsibilities within the nursing profession.
  • Promoting a supportive work environment for nurses.
  • Advocating for patients rights and involvement in health policy decision making.
  • Addressing the shortage of nurses through strategies and initiatives.

Part 2: Nursing Assistant Responsibilities

A certified nursing assistant, often referred to as a CNA works closely alongside nurses to deliver care. Despite the demanding hours and significant responsibilities the chance to consistently care for patients brings satisfaction. Additionally the skills gained as a certified nursing assistant can lay the groundwork for pursuing a lasting career in the nursing field.

Now let’s explore in detail the duties of a certified nursing assistant who has obtained their CNA certification. Here are five essential job responsibilities that you can expect to fulfill in this role.

1. As someone who is certified as a nursing assistant, part of your job is to assist patients with their needs such, as helping them eat, bathe and get dressed. You will provide this care to individuals, including those who have had strokes residents in nursing homes or people recovering from accidents, injuries or surgeries in hospitals.

2. Another important responsibility for CNAs is to take and document patients vital signs like temperature and blood pressure. This routine task plays a role when patients visit the doctors office or the hospital as it helps create an impression for the medical team.

3. Apart from attending to the needs of patients certified nursing assistants also contribute by serving meals making beds and ensuring cleanliness in the rooms. This may involve tasks like cleaning bedpans and changing sheets. Moreover these duties offer opportunities for one on one interactions, with patients. Establishing relationships that can provide support during times of illness while preserving their dignity.

4. Prepare and arrange equipment while also assisting with medical procedures; As a CNA part of your responsibilities may involve organizing tools for upcoming patient examinations or relocating bulky medical equipment within the facility. In some states CNAs who have received the training are permitted to support or even perform medical procedures, such as blood drawing.

5. Respond to calls for assistance and closely observe any changes in a patient’s condition or behavior; Due to their interaction with patients on a basis, CNAs possess an ability to not only notice obvious physical changes but also pick up on subtle emotional cues. This intuition can greatly impact patients during recoveries. When coping with long term conditions.

Whether it’s taking a patient’s blood pressure prior to the doctor’s visit, serving breakfast in the morning or simply providing listening CNAs play a role in enhancing the quality of care that patients receive.

Part 3: Legal Aspects of Nursing

The legal aspects of nursing are gaining significance, in healthcare practice. This can be easily comprehended when we acknowledge, firstly that good health is an asset, to existence. Moreover society has developed an understanding of their entitlements regarding healthcare services. Has become aware of various legal mechanisms to safeguard those entitlements.

  1. Malpractice and negligence: Malpractice and negligence are often used interchangeably. They have differences. While negligence can sometimes be unintentional malpractice specifically refers to failing to meet standards or foreseeing the consequences of ones actions. When a registered nurse makes mistakes, like administering the medication or failing to communicate effectively they can be held liable for both negligence and malpractice. For instance if a nurse commits a medication error, fails to notify the provider, lacks communication with colleagues or forgets to document the patients status they may face allegations of malpractice.
  2. Privacy Act: Patient confidentiality is essential in nursing practice. Is protected by the Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This act safeguards patients electronic information. Grants them control over their health data. As nurses engage in one to one relationships with patients they often have access to health records. Upholding the Code of Ethics for nurses requires maintaining confidentiality and privacy when handling data, insurance records or other health related information. If a nurse fails to safeguard this information or disclose it to individuals through any means they will be subject to consequences.
  3. Defamation: Defamation refers to making accusatory statements. These statements can take the form of written (libel) or spoken (slander) remarks. For example, ridiculing a colleague, patient or supervisor on media spreading rumors that can harm someone’s reputation.
  1. Battery: Battery involves harassing or touching someone without their consent. Nurses should be mindful of situations where proximity or physical contact, with a patient’s necessary. It is important to seek permission before proceeding. Patients have the right to refuse assistance, physical interaction and even treatment. If someone touches them without consent they have the right to pursue action.
  2. Reporting and Documentation: Accurate reporting and meticulous documentation play a role in ensuring patient care. Whenever you notice any changes in a patients condition or before breaks and shift changes occur promptly inform the nurse. Always use ink when recording information and include your name and title along, with the name and room number of the patient. Make sure you’re keeping track of all the information, for the patient.

Part 4: Nutrition and Fluids

Nutrition

Understanding the importance of nutrients in our diet is crucial.

  • Protein plays a role in the growth and repair of tissues in our body.
  • Carbohydrates are responsible for providing us with energy and fiber which help maintain bowel movements.
  • Fat does not supply energy to our body. Also assists in the absorption of vitamins.
  • Vitamins are indispensable for functions within our body.
  •  Minerals are essential for processes like bone and teeth formation as nerve and muscle functioning while also maintaining proper fluid balance.
  • Water is absolutely vital for the functioning of all our systems.

Diet

Physicians sometimes prescribe diets, for their patients.

  • Restricted Sodium Diet: According to the American Heart Association it is advisable to limit sodium intake to a maximum of 2300 mg per day. Sodium controlled diets are tailored to patients needs.
  • Diabetes Meal Plan: The American Diabetes Association recommends diets that assist, in balancing blood sugar levels.
  • Dysphagia Diet: The appropriate food thickener is chosen by the doctor, speech therapist or occupational therapist based on each patients swallowing difficulties.

Fluid Intake

To maintain hydration it is recommended that adults consume around 1500ml of water daily. For maintaining a fluid balance a range of 2000, to 2500ml of fluids is generally required.

  • Encouraging Fluid Intake; It is advisable to increase the amount of fluids consumed.
  • Restricting Fluid Intake; Under circumstances a doctor may set limits on the amount of fluids allowed.
  • Nothing, by Mouth (NPO); In this case an individual is unable to consume any food or beverages orally.
  • Thickened Liquids; This refers to the practice of thickening all types of fluids including water.

Part 5: Professional Care

Maintaining Professionalism; It is important to address patients by their name unless instructed otherwise. It is best to avoid using names, like honey, sweetie or grandma. By doing so we set a standard of respect.