The Holistic Nursing Assistant 9 are several major duties nursing assistants perform while giving care to residents: • answering call lights, which let staff know that a resident is in need • assisting with daily needs while promoting independence • measuring and documenting vital signs • serving meals and feeding residents when necessary (Figure 1.6) • transporting residents • lifting or turning residents • making beds and helping change soiled linens or gowns • helping maintain personal hygiene • assisting with toileting • recording food intake • measuring and documenting fluid intake and output • collecting required specimens • observing and reporting health issues, behaviors, and responses to the licensed nursing staff • assisting staff with any required tasks involving care • keeping all lines of communication open • protecting rights, privacy, confidentiality, and dignity • being sensitive to and respectful of diversity • promoting safety and well-being • making sure all care provided is of the highest quality When you work as a nursing assistant, you will often perform the same duties daily. Remember that these duties are very important. They will make a difference in the health and well-being of those in your care. as spills or objects left on the floor. Practicing environmental care and safety might also include responding to emergencies. You may perform emergency procedures, such as responding to fainting or a seizure, or evacuating residents in case of a fire or other environmental emergency. See Chapter 4, Chapter 5, and Chapter 18 for more information. Specimen Collection When directed, nursing assistants collect specimens from residents. Specimens may include sputum (mucus from the respiratory system), urine, or feces (stool). These specimens help in diagnosing illnesses, preparing for a procedure, or evaluating progress. After collection, specimens are labeled and taken to a clinical laboratory for analyses. Information about collecting specimens can be found in Chapter 17. What Is a Typical Day for a Nursing Assistant? When you work as a holistic nursing assistant, you will find that no two days are exactly the same. While there is no “typical” day for a nursing assistant, there Micolas/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.5 To maintain infection control, nursing assistants sometimes wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Anneka/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.6 In a typical day, a nursing assistant might serve meals and feed residents, if necessary. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.