Three of your assigned patients require vital signs, blood glucose testing, and dressing changes. You are working with a nursing assistant. Discuss what tasks can be completed by the nursing assistant and what must be completed by the practical nurse. What responsibility do you have related to this assignment? no more then 200 words Purchase the answer to view it
In a healthcare setting, the division of tasks between different members of the healthcare team is crucial to ensure efficient and effective patient care. In the case of vital signs, blood glucose testing, and dressing changes, it is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of both the nursing assistant and the practical nurse.
The nursing assistant, as an integral part of the healthcare team, can perform certain tasks related to the assigned patients. These tasks may include measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate. The nursing assistant is trained to follow established protocols and use appropriate equipment to obtain accurate measurements. Additionally, the nursing assistant can perform blood glucose testing under the supervision and direction of the practical nurse. This involves using a glucometer to obtain a blood sample and measure the patient’s blood glucose level. The nursing assistant should be competent in performing this procedure according to established guidelines.
However, certain tasks within this scope of care require the expertise and knowledge of the practical nurse. Dressing changes, for instance, involve assessing the wound, cleaning it appropriately, applying any necessary medications or dressings, and ensuring proper wound care techniques are implemented. These tasks require a higher level of skill and decision-making, as the practical nurse must assess the wound’s status, identify any signs of infection or deterioration, and make appropriate decisions regarding the care and management of the wound. Therefore, the responsibility for performing dressing changes falls within the domain of the practical nurse.
As a student in this assignment, your responsibility is twofold. Firstly, you have the responsibility to supervise and coordinate the care provided by the nursing assistant. This involves providing clear instructions, monitoring the nursing assistant’s performance, and ensuring that tasks are completed safely and accurately. You should also be available to answer any questions or concerns that the nursing assistant may have and provide guidance as necessary.
Secondly, as a student, you should use this opportunity to further develop your clinical skills and knowledge. Although you may not be directly responsible for performing all the assigned tasks, you should actively observe and learn from both the nursing assistant and the practical nurse. This includes understanding the rationale behind each task, how it is performed, and any potential complications or considerations that may arise. By actively engaging in this learning experience, you can enhance your ability to provide holistic and comprehensive care to your future patients.
To ensure a collaborative and efficient approach to patient care, effective communication and teamwork among the healthcare team members is essential. Regular communication between you, the nursing assistant, and the practical nurse should occur to ensure a clear understanding of the tasks that need to be completed, any concerns or changes in the patients’ condition, and any updates or modifications to the care plan. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication allows for the opportunity to discuss and learn from one another, fostering professional growth and development among all team members.