8 Chapter 1 Procedures performed are standardized (made the same) and are found in a healthcare facility policy and procedure manual. Nursing assistants must always perform procedures as directed by the duties and responsibilities of their position and by the healthcare facility. Unless assistance is needed, nursing assistants perform these procedures on their own. However, they are always under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Infection Control Practicing infection control lessens the risk of infection. For example, consistently washing hands or rubbing hands with sanitizer (hand hygiene) helps prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, the appropriate care and handling of contaminated (dirty) objects is important for controlling infection in a healthcare facility. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a mask, gloves, protective eyewear, and a gown, is sometimes required (Figure 1.5). Infection control also includes observing and reporting environmental situations that might cause the spread of infection. In Chapter 9, you will learn how to follow procedures for hand hygiene and how to properly put on masks, gowns, and gloves. Communication Nursing assistants are constantly communicating with residents and their families, other visitors, and healthcare team members. Nursing assistants are also responsible for documenting necessary information in electronic or paper charts and forms, answering the telephone, and taking messages. Communicating electronically has become an important part of healthcare delivery. Electronic communication may include documenting resident information in an electronic medical record (EMR), using mobile devices, or using social media to inform others. Information about communication, documentation, and the use of electronic communication are described in Chapter 12 and Chapter 14. Environmental Care and Safety Nursing assistants must keep rooms clean and neat so residents are comfortable and safe. This includes making beds changing the room temperature and lighting emptying trash and removing possible safety hazards or sources of personal injury, such that nursing assistants measure, document, and report are • vital signs, which include the rates or values of a person’s temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure (Figure 1.4) • height and weight • fluid intake and output and • changes in condition. Nursing assistants are often the first to know how well a resident is responding to a medicine or treatment. This is because nursing assistants spend more time at the bedside. Any changes in a resident’s condition should be immediately reported to the licensed nursing staff. See Chapter 14, Chapter 16, and Chapter 21 to learn more about these observations and measurements. Procedures Nursing assistants perform numerous procedures when giving care. These procedures may include providing skin and oral care and admitting, transferring, and discharging residents. Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.4 Nursing assistants measure and document residents’ vital signs. This nursing assistant is measuring a resident’s blood pressure. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.