The Nursing Assistant: Essentials of Holistic Care, Brief Edition Page 12 (32 of 640)

12 Chapter 1 Underclothing should not be visible. You can wear a neutral-colored, long-sleeve shirt or sweater under the scrubs if cold. Hair must be clean. If you have long hair, it must be pulled off your collar and away from your face using an elastic band or clip. If makeup is worn, it should be limited to a simple, neutral application of cosmetics. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed short. If nail polish is worn, healthcare facilities usually require that it be clear. Healthcare staff members should not wear artificial nails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a US federal agency that helps prevent and control health threats, has guidelines stating that harmful bacteria may grow under artificial nails. These bacteria may be transferred to residents during care. Therefore, having short, clean nails is not a matter of looks, but rather is a matter of safety. Body art, such as tattoos, must be covered by clothing. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum—for example, small or stud earrings, a watch, and a simple ring such as a wedding band. Body jewelry, including jewelry in the tongue or eyebrow piercings, must be removed. Physical Stamina Being an effective nursing assistant requires that you take care of your own health so you have the physical stamina, or strength, to perform the duties of your job. Make sure you eat correctly, exercise, and are mindful (aware) of your own well-being. Respect and Compassion Holistic nursing assistants understand the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. There are many ways you can show respect for your coworkers and those in your care. Thoughtful, Caring Approach Thoughtful, caring holistic nursing assistants are often the most successful. It is important to be aware of your approach, be upbeat, and see the positives in what you do. Having an easygoing attitude and a friendly face sends a message to others that you are open and approachable. It lets others know you can be trusted and may help residents feel more comfortable with you. This approach often decreases resident stress. Remember not to spread rumors, share gossip, or act disrespectfully at work. Those in your care are ill and need a healing environment. Professional Appearance Wearing ironed, clean, wrinkle-free scrubs will help you achieve a professional appearance (Figure 1.8). Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.8 Nursing assistants who act professionally look clean and neat. This builds trust with residents and promotes a safe environment. BECOMING A HOLISTIC NURSING ASSISTANT Qualities of a Nursing Assistant The following is a list of qualities that are characteristic of a holistic nursing assistant. Read through the list and identify which qualities you have. • I care about others. • I like to communicate with different kinds of people. • I am flexible and enjoy responding to others’ needs. • I am patient. • I respect people’s differences. • I am happy when I help others. • I want to assist others in achieving their well-being. Apply It 1. Which qualities did you identify with? Why? 2. Which did you not identify with? Why? 3. What actions might you take to demonstrate the qualities you do not yet have? Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

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12 Chapter 1 Underclothing should not be visible. You can wear a neutral-colored, long-sleeve shirt or sweater under the scrubs if cold. Hair must be clean. If you have long hair, it must be pulled off your collar and away from your face using an elastic band or clip. If makeup is worn, it should be limited to a simple, neutral application of cosmetics. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed short. If nail polish is worn, healthcare facilities usually require that it be clear. Healthcare staff members should not wear artificial nails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a US federal agency that helps prevent and control health threats, has guidelines stating that harmful bacteria may grow under artificial nails. These bacteria may be transferred to residents during care. Therefore, having short, clean nails is not a matter of looks, but rather is a matter of safety. Body art, such as tattoos, must be covered by clothing. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum—for example, small or stud earrings, a watch, and a simple ring such as a wedding band. Body jewelry, including jewelry in the tongue or eyebrow piercings, must be removed. Physical Stamina Being an effective nursing assistant requires that you take care of your own health so you have the physical stamina, or strength, to perform the duties of your job. Make sure you eat correctly, exercise, and are mindful (aware) of your own well-being. Respect and Compassion Holistic nursing assistants understand the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. There are many ways you can show respect for your coworkers and those in your care. Thoughtful, Caring Approach Thoughtful, caring holistic nursing assistants are often the most successful. It is important to be aware of your approach, be upbeat, and see the positives in what you do. Having an easygoing attitude and a friendly face sends a message to others that you are open and approachable. It lets others know you can be trusted and may help residents feel more comfortable with you. This approach often decreases resident stress. Remember not to spread rumors, share gossip, or act disrespectfully at work. Those in your care are ill and need a healing environment. Professional Appearance Wearing ironed, clean, wrinkle-free scrubs will help you achieve a professional appearance (Figure 1.8). Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.8 Nursing assistants who act professionally look clean and neat. This builds trust with residents and promotes a safe environment. BECOMING A HOLISTIC NURSING ASSISTANT Qualities of a Nursing Assistant The following is a list of qualities that are characteristic of a holistic nursing assistant. Read through the list and identify which qualities you have. • I care about others. • I like to communicate with different kinds of people. • I am flexible and enjoy responding to others’ needs. • I am patient. • I respect people’s differences. • I am happy when I help others. • I want to assist others in achieving their well-being. Apply It 1. Which qualities did you identify with? Why? 2. Which did you not identify with? Why? 3. What actions might you take to demonstrate the qualities you do not yet have? Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

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11 Objectives To achieve the objectives for this section, you must successfully • identify the qualities and professional behaviors needed to deliver safe, quality care • demonstrate professional behaviors and • describe the personal and professional boundaries of a nursing assistant. Key Terms Learn these key terms to better understand the information presented in the section. attitudes boundaries Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) competence culture integrity positive regard professional unethical values work ethic Questions to Consider • Being professional means having knowledge and skills that show others you are competent to do a particular job. Being professional also means demonstrating behaviors and attitudes that are positive and supportive of others. Have you ever been in a position where you were asked to be professional? Maybe this happened at a job or at a special meeting you attended. • What was the experience of being professional like? Did you have to act and dress differently? • How comfortable are you acting professional? Is acting in a professional manner something you can do every day, even if it feels uncomfortable? What Professional Qualities, Attitudes, and Behaviors Are Expected from a Nursing Assistant? Being professional requires the constant, daily demonstration of very specific qualities, attitudes (ways of thinking or feeling), and behaviors. These are very important when delivering safe, quality care. Because working as a nursing assistant can be challenging, being professional is very important. You may work long hours to provide care for ill residents, but the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else’s life can make up for feeling tired and frustrated. To know that your professionalism and work are appreciated and valued is priceless (Figure 1.7). Professional qualities, attitudes, and behaviors that make a difference in providing holistic care are those that show you are a thoughtful, caring person. These qualities, attitudes, and behaviors demonstrate your respect for the healthcare facility where you work and for the staff with whom you work. They also help you support and promote the independence and well-being of residents. Having the qualities, attitudes, and behaviors discussed in this section will help you deliver safe, quality care keep your skills up-to-date and make sure the needs of those in your care are met. The healthcare facility’s employee handbook may also include specific expectations and guidelines. Competence Competent nursing assistants are able to do their jobs well. When you have competence, you have learned everything you need to know to feel comfortable completing required procedures safely and appropriately. You also work on keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date. 1.2 section Professionalism and Boundaries Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock.com Figure 1.7 Being a nursing assistant gives you the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. You can provide the best care possible by acting professionally. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

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The Holistic Nursing Assistant 13 Honesty and Integrity Honesty and integrity (strong moral principles) are very important to resident safety. If you make a mistake, you must always tell the truth about what happened. Do not try to cover up the mistake. Residents’ health and well-being depend on your honesty. No matter how busy you are or how unimportant you think information is, never leave out details or information about a resident’s condition or about care given when reporting or documenting. Flexibility Being able to complete a wide range of duties and being able to work independently, when appropriate, are important qualities for any holistic nursing assistant. You may see different residents every day, so become familiar with adjusting to change and to working with new people. You should also be flexible about your schedule, as you may have to work different hours every week, long shifts, or unusual hours. A respectful attitude will help you succeed in your position. Having positive regard, or an attitude that is supportive and accepting of others, is another way of demonstrating respect. As a nursing assistant, you may come across difficult situations that require dignity and compassion. Nursing assistants see residents who are injured, ill, irritable, anxious, lonely, impatient, and depressed. Nursing assistants may also work with residents who are dying. Being compassionate when caring for residents who are dealing with these difficult life situations can ease their pain (Figure 1.9). Heartfelt kindness can go a long way. Work Ethic, Reliability, and Dependability It is important to arrive to work on time. This demonstrates a positive work ethic, or a belief that your work is important. You are responsible to your coworkers and those in your care to be ready for work when you are scheduled. Be thorough, follow policies, immediately let licensed nursing staff know when you observe any changes in a resident’s condition, and be accurate and timely in your reporting and documentation. Trustworthiness Both your coworkers and those in your care will appreciate working with someone they can trust. Be trustworthy by keeping information confidential and documenting it in the proper place. You must take this part of your role and responsibilities very seriously. It is your legal and ethical responsibility to protect personal and medical information. HEALTHCARE SCENARIO Employee of the Year The adult center in your city recently announced that Loretta Sanchez was named employee of the year. Loretta has been employed by the center for the past 15 years as a nursing assistant. The executive director of the center was pleased to share that Loretta was nominated and received the award due to her dedication and loyalty to the center. Loretta’s caring and compassionate approach with residents, staff, and families also influenced the selection. In particular, the report noted that Loretta has a very positive attitude, has a smile on her face, and always has a good word to share. She works well with her team and is ready and willing to take on extra projects and assignments. The executive director of the center stated that Loretta is “an inspiration and a great role model for her peers.” Apply It 1. List Loretta’s professional qualities and behaviors. 2. Why do you think the executive director of the center feels Loretta is an “inspiration and a great role model” for her coworkers? Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.9 Nursing assistants promote a healing environment by showing respect and compassion to residents. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

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