3 Objectives To achieve the objectives for this section, you must successfully • describe the role of a holistic nursing assistant • explain the requirements for nursing assistants to become certified and • discuss the typical responsibilities of a holistic nursing assistant. Key Terms Learn these key terms to better understand the information presented in the section. activities of daily living (ADLs) ambulating certification certified nursing assistant (CNA) compassion contaminated empower holistic care hospice infection control job description licensed nursing staff licensed practical/ vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) patients registered nurse (RN) residents scope of practice vital signs Questions to Consider • Have you ever taken care of someone? Maybe you took care of your mother, friend, younger brother or sister, or even your pet. How did you feel about the responsibility of providing care? What did you do to make sure that person or pet was cared for properly? • How would you describe the caregiving role you took or what you had to do? What daily responsibilities, abilities, and attitudes helped you do the best job possible? What Is a Nursing Assistant’s Role? Becoming a nursing assistant gives you a special opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life. It is also an excellent way to grow personally by gaining knowledge and skills as you journey into the exciting nursing career path. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a person who has successfully completed the education and training needed to take and pass a state certification competency examination. The certified nursing assistant helps deliver care and is supervised by licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and registered nurses (RNs). In some states, a CNA is known as a nurse aide, registered nursing assistant, or licensed nursing assistant. Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) may be your first step toward becoming a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or a registered nurse (RN). An LPN/LVN is a member of the licensed nursing staff who is supervised by an RN. The duties of LPNs/LVNs vary by state, but typically include monitoring and reporting, preparing and giving medications, and inserting catheters. An RN is a licensed nursing staff member who delivers nursing care that includes assessment providing nursing diagnoses and planning, implementing, and evaluating care. A nursing assistant is an important member of the healthcare team and provides care to residents (Figure 1.1). Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, community clinics, skilled nursing facilities, residential care or long-term care facilities, hospices (healthcare facilities that care for people who are terminally ill), and home healthcare services hire nursing assistants. Working as a nursing assistant requires much more than just meeting the basic needs of those in your care. Nursing assistants are often the first to communicate with residents and their families. This is because nursing assistants spend more time with residents than LPNs/LVNs or RNs, who may be involved in other work (procedures and tasks). 1.1 section Role and Responsibilities Rob Marmion/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.1 Nursing assistants work in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.