Unit 1 Introduction to Health Care

1. Unit 1Introduction to Health Care

2. As a member of the department, the nurse aide plays an important role in resident care. The nurse aide spends more time in direct contact with the resident than any other member of the health care team. Introduction to Health Care

3. A knowledge of the role, function, legal limitations, expected qualities, personal habits and obligations is important to provide quality care. This unit also explores the types, purposes and organizational structure of health care facilities that employ nurse aides. Introduction to Health Care(continued)

4. Role Of The Nurse Aide

5. OBJECTIVE 1.0 Examine the role of the nurse aide.

6. Role of the Nurse Aide • Important in the care of people who are ill & unable to care for themselves • Assistant to the licensed nurse • Provide physical care and emotional support

7. Contribute to the resident’s comfort Make observations and report Directed and supervised by licensed nurses Role of the Nurse Aide(continued)

8. The Nurse Aide Works In A Variety Of Settings • Hospitals • Long term care facilities • Rehabilitation centers • Clinics • Hospices • Psychiatric facilities • Home care

9. Functions of Nurse Aide

10. OBJECTIVES 1.2 Discuss the functions of the nurse aide in providing care to residents. 1.2.1 Identify 22 functions of the nurse aide.

11. Hygiene Safety Nutrition Exercise Elimination Mobility Functions of Nurse Aide Help residents with personal needs:

12. Communication Socialization activities Comfort measures Restorative procedures Functions of Nurse Aide(continued) Help residents with personal needs (continued):

13. Assist with resident care responsibilities: Collecting specimens Measuring and recording vital signs Transporting residents Environmental cleanliness Cleaning and care of equipment Functions of Nurse Aide(continued)

14. Assist with resident care responsibilities (continued): Standard precautions Fire drills and disaster drills Answering call signals Observation of resident response to care Functions of Nurse Aide(continued)

15. Assist with resident care responsibilities (continued): Measuring and recording height/weight Intake and output Admission and discharge of residents Functions of the Nurse Aide(continued)

16. Legal Limitations Of The Nurse Aide

17. OBJECTIVE 1.3 List eight legal limitations for the nurse aide.

18. Legal Limitations of Nurse Aide • Nurse aides donot do sterile procedures. • Nurse aides donot give information about the diagnosis or treatment plans to the resident or his/her family. • Nurse aides donot give medications. • Nurse aides donot insert or remove tubes from the resident’s body.

19. Legal Limitations of Nurse Aide(continued) • Nurse aides donot take oral or telephone orders from a physician • Nurse aides donot diagnose or prescribe treatments or medications for residents. • Nurse aides do not supervise the work of other nurse aides.

20. Legal Limitations of Nurse Aide(continued) • Nurse aides donot agree to do something beyond the nurse aide’s scope of practice.

21. Qualities and Characteristics of Nurse Aide

22. OBJECTIVES 1.4 Describe the personal qualities and characteristics of the nurse aide. 1.4.1 Discuss the importance of punctuality and commitment on the job.

23. Cheerful Enthusiastic Responsible Considerate Courteous Cooperative Qualities and Characteristics of the Nurse Aide

24. Dependable Empathetic Honest Patient Respectful Trustworthy Qualities and Characteristics of the Nurse Aide (continued)

25. Willing to learn Tactful Competent Committed to job Punctual Self-aware Qualities and Characteristics of the Nurse Aide (continued)

26. Personal Health & Hygiene

27. OBJECTIVE 1.5 Suggest ways for the nurse aide to maintain acceptable personal hygiene and exhibit appropriate dress practices.

28. Factors That Promote Good Health • Rest and sleep • Diet • Exercise • Good posture and body mechanics • Eye examinations • Dental care • No use of drugs, alcohol or cigarettes

29. Taking a daily bath or shower Using deodorants/antiperspirants Brushing teeth and using mouthwash Keeping hair clean and neatly styled Cleaning and maintaining short, smooth nails Personal Hygiene Practices

30. Washing hands after using bathroom Wearing clean underwear, socks or stockings and uniform daily Do not use products having odors that might be offensive to residents Personal Hygiene Practices(continued)

31. Professional Dress Practices • Uniform clean, pressed • Shoes polished and comfortable • Shoe laces clean • Stockings without holes/runs • Jewelry limited to watch and wedding ring

32. Name tag or photo ID tag worn Make-up worn in moderation Strong perfumes/aftershave lotions not used Professional Dress Practices(continued)

33. Health Care Team Member Obligations

34. OBJECTIVE 1.6 List obligations of the nurse aide as a member of the health care team.

35. Guidelines For Working With Others • Know the responsibilities, functions and role expectations listed in job description • Display qualities and characteristics befitting a nurse aide • Be prompt in reporting to work

36. Notify facility of absence ASAP Display good health and hygiene practices Follow facility dress code policy Practice ethical & legal actions Direct questions about things you don’t understand to supervisor Guidelines For Working With Others(continued)

37. Follow instructions and directions of supervisor Display pride in appearance Promptly report unusual observations to the supervisor Make supervisor aware of family and resident complaints Guidelines For Working With Others(continued)

38. Guidelines For Working With Others(continued) • Perform duties in spirit of cooperation • Do not waste supplies and equipment • Follow facility rules and regulations • Be accurate in measuring, recording and reporting • Notify supervisor when leaving and returning to unit

39. Guidelines For Working With Others(continued) • Assist other health care workers willingly • Never use supplies or equipment belonging to the facility or resident • Never discuss personal problems with the residents

40. Resident Care Conferences • Assist to develop/revise care plans • Share care suggestions • Report observations

41. Planning Work Assignments

42. OBJECTIVE 1.7 Explain the necessity for planning work assignments.

43. Work Assignments • Made by a licensed nurse • Based on needs of residents and availability of staff • Allows staff to work as team • Includes being cooperative and helping others when asked

44. Work Assignments(continued) • Includes never ignoring a resident that needs help, is uncomfortable or in danger

45. Work Assignments(continued) • Includes notifying the supervisor of unfinished assignments • Includes answering call signals even though not assigned to the resident

46. Considerations For Planning A Work Assignment • Workload • Resident condition • Time • Support services assigned

47. OBJECTIVE 1.7.1 Identify the need to establish priorities when providing resident care.

48. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Establishing Priorities for Care • Activities of daily living • Meeting hygiene needs • Positioning and providing for exercise • Maintaining proper nutrition • Providing for elimination of wastes

49. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Establishing Priorities for Care(continued) • Examples of special procedures • Taking vital signs • Measuring urine

50. Establishing Priorities for Care(continued) • Support services • Providing drinking water • Delivering and picking up meal trays • Providing clean linen and making beds • Cleaning and caring for equipment