1
The Nursing Assistant in
Long-Term Care

1. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings Define the following terms:
   long-term care (LTC)
   care given in long-term care facilities for people who need 24-hour skilled care.
   skilled care
   medically necessary care given by a skilled nurse or therapist.
   length of stay
   the number of days a person stays in a care facility.
   terminal illness
   a disease or condition that will eventually cause death.
2. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings Define the following terms:
   chronic
   long-term or long-lasting.
   diagnoses
   medical conditions determined by a doctor. home health care
   care that is provided in a person’s home. assisted living
   residences for people who not need 24-hour skilled care, but do require some help with daily care tasks.
3. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings Define the following terms:
   adult day services
   care for people who need some help during certain hours, but who do not live in the facility where care is provided.
   acute care
   24-hour skilled care given in hospitals and ambulatory surgical
   centers for short-term illnesses or injuries.
   subacute care
   care given in hospitals or in long-term care facilities for people who need less care than for an acute illness, but more care than for a chronic illness.
4. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings Define the following terms:
   outpatient care
   care given to people who have had treatments, procedures, or surgeries and need short-term skilled care.
   rehabilitation
   care that is given by specialists to help restore or improve function
   after an illness or injury.
   hospice care
   holistic, compassionate care given to people who have
   approximately six months or less to live.
5. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings People who live in long-term care facilities
   • May be disabled
   • Are often elderly, although younger adults sometimes require long-term care, too
   • May arrive from hospitals or other healthcare settings
   • Often have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease,
   physical disabilities, or dementia
6. Compare long-term care to other healthcare settings REMEMBER:
   Long-term care facilities are the residents’ homes. Nursing assistants can help residents feel at home by respecting their space and their privacy.
7. Describe a typical long-term care facility Define the following term:
   activities of daily living (ADLs)
   daily personal care tasks such as bathing; dressing; caring for skin, nails, hair, and teeth; eating; drinking; walking; transferring; and elimination.
8. Describe a typical long-term care facility

These services are often provided at long-term care facilities:

• Assistance with personal care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Wound care
• Care of different types of tubes
• Nutrition therapy
• Management of chronic diseases

2. Describe a typical long-term care facility

Different long-term care facilities may offer different services

• Some may offer specialized care for residents with dementia
• Some may include assisted living facilities
• If a facility provides specialized care, employees will be
specifically trained to provide that care

2. Describe a typical long-term care facility Define the following terms:
   culture change
   a term given to the process of transforming services for elders so that they are based on the values and practices of the person receiving care; core values include choice, dignity, respect, self- determination, and purposeful living.
   person-centered care
   a type of care that places the emphasis on the person needing care
   and his or her individuality and capabilities.
3. Describe a typical long-term care facility Think about this question:
   The core values of culture change are choice, dignity, respect, self- determination, and purposeful living. What are some things an NA can do to promote these values as he works with residents?
4. Explain Medicare and Medicaid Define the following terms:
   Medicare
   a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, have certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure, or are ill and cannot work.
   Medicaid
   a medical assistance program for people with low incomes, as well
   as for people with disabilities.

Transparency 1-1: Facts about Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare
• Medicare is for people 65 or older and people under 65 who are disabled or ill and cannot work.
• Part A helps pay for care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility or for care from a home health agency or hospice.
• Part B helps pay for doctor services and other medical services and
equipment.
• Part C allows private health insurance companies to provide
Medicare benefits.
• Part D helps pay for medications prescribed for treatment.
Medicaid
• Medicaid is a medical assistance program for people who have a low
income, as well as for people with disabilities.
• People qualify based on income and special circumstances.

3. Explain Medicare and Medicaid

Residents’ long-term care is often paid for by Medicare or Medicaid.
Under Medicare and Medicaid

• LTC facilities are paid a fixed amount for services
• Services are based on the resident’s needs upon admission and
throughout her stay at the facility

4. Describe the nursing assistant’s role

Long-term care facilities may use any of the following titles for nursing
assistants:

• Nurse aide
• Certified nurse aide
• Patient care technician
• Certified nursing assistant
• Nursing assistant (used by this textbook)

4. Describe the nursing assistant’s role Define the following term:
   charting
   documenting information and observations about residents.
5. Describe the nursing assistant’s role

Nursing assistants perform assigned nursing tasks, such as

• Measuring and recording temperature
• Measuring and recording blood pressure
• Counting and recording pulse and respirations (breathing)
• Observing and reporting about pain levels

4. Describe the nursing assistant’s role

Nursing assistants also provide personal care, including the following:

• Bathing residents
• Assisting residents with hair care and other grooming tasks
• Helping residents dress
• Helping residents with mouth care
• Helping residents with elimination needs

4. Describe the nursing assistant’s role The NA’s job also includes the following:
   • Assisting residents to move around safely
   • Keeping residents’ living areas neat and clean
   • Assisting with meals
   • Caring for supplies and equipment
   • Making beds
   • Giving backrubs
5. Describe the nursing assistant’s role

NAs are not permitted to do any of the following:

• Insert or remove tubes
• Give tube feedings
• Change sterile dressings

Some states allow NAs to give medications if they have completed an additional, specialized course for medications and meet the requirements of the individual facility.

4. Describe the nursing assistant’s role REMEMBER:
   Nursing assistants spend more time with residents than any other care team members. NAs’ observations are very important in making sure residents receive the best possible care. NAs are the “eyes and ears” of the healthcare team.
5. Describe the nursing assistant’s role REMEMBER:
   All residents are the responsibility of each nursing assistant. If an NA sees a resident who needs help, she must help—even if the resident is not on her assignment sheet.
6. Describe the care team and the chain of command Define the following term:
   assistive or adaptive devices
   special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform activities of daily living.
7. Describe the care team and the chain of command

Resident care is provided by a care team made up of the following
team members:

• Nursing assistant
• Registered nurse
• Licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse
• Physician or doctor
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist

5. Describe the care team and the chain of command Care team members (cont’d):
   • Speech-language pathologist
   • Registered dietitian
   • Medical social worker
   • Activities director
   • Resident and resident’s family
6. Describe the care team and the chain of command REMEMBER:
   The care team revolves around the resident and his condition,
   treatment, and progress. All members should focus on the resident.
7. Describe the care team and the chain of command Define the following terms:
   chain of command
   the line of authority within a facility.
   liability
   a legal term that means someone can be held responsible for harming someone else.
   scope of practice
   defines the tasks that healthcare providers are legally allowed to do
   as permitted by state or federal law.

The Nursing Assistant in Long-Term Care

5. Describe the care team and the chain of command REMEMBER:
   Each state has different laws, but some tasks are never performed by NAs. NAs never make diagnoses or perform procedures involving sterile technique, for example.
6. Describe the care team and the chain of command REMEMBER:
   An NA must never honor a request to do something outside his scope
   of practice. Report such requests to the nurse.
7. Describe the care team and the chain of command Define the following term:
   care plan
   a plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals; it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must perform.
8. Describe the care team and the chain of command Remember these points about resident care plans:
   • Individualized for each resident
   • Developed by a nurse to help achieve the goals of care
   • Lists tasks the care team, including the NA, must perform
   • Guide to help the resident be as healthy as possible
   • Careful NA observations and reporting can help make the care
   plan more effective
9. Describe the care team and the chain of command REMEMBER:
   Tasks not listed on the care plan should not be performed. If an NA has a question about the care plan, or thinks something is missing, he should talk to his supervisor.
10. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Define the following terms:
    policy
    a course of action that should be taken every time a certain situation occurs.
    procedure
    a method or way of doing something.
11. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism

These policies and procedures are common in LTC facilities:

• All resident information is confidential.
• Residents’ care plan must be followed.
• NAs only perform tasks in job descriptions.
• NAs report to a nurse.
• NAs should not discuss personal problems with residents or
families.
• NAs should not accept gifts and money from residents or
families.
• NAs must be dependable.

6. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Think about this question:
   What should an NA do if she is unsure about a policy or procedure?
7. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Define the following terms:
   professional
   having to do with work or a job.
   personal
   relating to life outside one’s job, such as family, friends, and home life.
   professionalism
   behaving properly when working; it includes how a person
   dresses, the words he uses, and the things he talks about.
8. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Define the following terms:
   compassionate
   being caring, concerned, considerate, empathetic, and understanding.
   empathy
   identifying with the feelings of others.
   sympathy
   sharing in the feelings and difficulties of others.
9. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Define the following terms:
   tactful
   showing sensitivity and having a sense of what is appropriate when dealing with others.
   conscientious
   guided by a sense of right and wrong; principled.
10. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism

These points will help NAs keep relationships with residents
professional:

• Provide person-centered care.
• Be positive.
• Do only assigned tasks.
• Keep residents’ information confidential.
• Be polite and cheerful.
• Do not discuss personal problems.
• Do not use a personal phone in residents’ rooms or in resident
care areas.

6. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Keeping relationships with residents professional (cont’d):
   • Do not use profanity.
   • Listen to residents.
   • Call residents by their preferred, proper names.
   • Do not accept or give gifts.
   • Explain care before providing it.
   • Follow facility’s care practices (such as appropriate handwashing).
7. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism

NAs can have a professional relationship with an employer by

• Completing tasks efficiently
• Following policies/procedures
• Documenting and reporting carefully
• Reporting problems
• Reporting anything that interferes with duties
• Asking questions
• Taking direction and criticism

6. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism

NAs can have a professional relationship with an employer by (cont’d)

• Being clean and neatly dressed and groomed
• Being on time
• Notifying the employer if absent
• Following the chain of command
• Participating in education programs
• Being a positive role model for the facility

Transparency 1-3: Qualities of Great Nursing Assistants Nursing assistants must be
• Compassionate
• Honest
• Tactful
• Conscientious
• Dependable
• Patient
• Respectful
• Unprejudiced
• Tolerant

6. Define policies, procedures, and professionalism Think about this question:
   How might an NA demonstrate each of the qualities listed in
   Transparency 1-3 during her work in a facility?
7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

ethics
the knowledge of right and wrong. laws
rules set by the government to help people live peacefully together
and to ensure order and safety.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

NAs should always follow these guidelines for legal and ethical behavior:

• Be honest at all times.
• Protect residents’ privacy.
• Keep staff information confidential.
• Report abuse or suspected abuse of residents, and assist
residents in reporting abuse if they wish to do so.
• Follow the care plan and your assignments.
• Do not perform any task outside your scope of practice.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Guidelines for legal and ethical behavior (cont’d):

• Report all resident observations and incidents to the nurse.
• Document accurately and promptly.
• Follow rules about safety and infection prevention (coming up in Chapter 2).
• Do not accept gifts or tips.
• Do not get personally or sexually involved with residents or their
family members or friends.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
law passed by the federal government that includes minimum standards for nursing assistant training, staffing requirements, resident assessment instructions, and information on rights for residents.
cite
in a long-term care facility, to find a problem through a survey.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

Residents’ Rights
numerous rights identified in the OBRA law that relate to how residents must be treated while living in a facility; they provide an ethical code of conduct for healthcare workers.
informed consent
the process in which a person, with the help of a doctor, makes
informed decisions about his or her health care.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

NAs should know these important points about OBRA:

• Sets minimum standards for NA training (75 hours)
• Requires competency exam for NAs
• Requires regular in-service training for NAs (12 hours annually)
• Establishes state registry of NAs
• Sets standards that instructors must meet to train NAs
• Establishes increased minimum staff requirements
• Outlines minimum services that LTCFs must provide
• Sets resident assessment requirements (MDS)
• Requires changes in survey process
• Outlines Residents’ Rights

Transparency 1-4: Residents’ Rights

Residents have a legal right to

• Quality of life
• Services and activities to maintain a high level of wellness
• Be fully informed regarding rights and services
• Participate in their own care
• Make independent choices
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Dignity, respect, and freedom
• Security of possessions
• Be informed of and consent to transfers and discharges
• Voice complaints
• Have visits
• Have access to social services

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Think about this question:

How can NAs work to protect Residents’ Rights?

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

To protect Residents’ Rights NAs should

• Never abuse a resident in any way
• Report suspected abuse
• Involve residents in planning
• Always explain procedures before performing them
• Never unnecessarily expose a resident while giving care
• Respect a resident’s refusal of care, but report refusal to the
nurse
• Tell the nurse if a resident has questions, concerns, or
complaints

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

To protect Residents’ Rights NAs should (cont’d)

• Be truthful when documenting care
• Not talk or gossip about residents
• Knock and wait for permission before entering a resident’s room
• Not accept gifts or money from residents
• Not open a resident’s mail or look through her belongings
• Respect personal possessions
• Report observations about resident’s condition and care
• Help resolve disputes by reporting them to the nurse

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

REMEMBER:

Boundaries are the limits to or within relationships. It is important that NAs treat residents with warmth and caring, but NAs must not become personally involved with residents. Professional boundaries help support a healthy resident-staff relationship.

Handout 1-1: Decision Quiz

Choices I have made today include the following:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Think about these questions:

Would everyday decisions seem more important to you if many of your choices were taken away?

Why do you want to make your own decisions? How does this exercise relate to Residents’ Rights?

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

abuse
purposeful mistreatment that causes physical, mental, or
emotional pain or injury to someone.
physical abuse
any treatment, intentional or not, that causes harm to a person’s
body.
psychological abuse
emotional harm caused by threatening, scaring, humiliating, intimidating, isolating, or insulting a person, or by treating him as a child.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

verbal abuse
the use of spoken or written words, pictures, or gestures that
threaten, embarrass, or insult a person.
sexual abuse
the forcing of a person to perform or participate in sexual acts against her will; includes unwanted touching, exposing oneself, and sharing pornographic material.
financial abuse
the improper or illegal use of a person’s money, possessions,
property, or other assets.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

assault
a threat to harm a person, resulting in the person feeling fearful
that he will be harmed.
battery
the intentional touching of a person without her consent.
domestic violence
physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by spouses, intimate
partners, or family members.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

false imprisonment
unlawful restraint that affects a person’s freedom of movement; includes both the threat of being physically restrained and actually being physically restrained.
involuntary seclusion
the separation of a person from others against the person’s will.
workplace violence
verbal, physical, or sexual abuse of staff by other staff members, residents, or visitors.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

sexual harassment
any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
substance abuse
the repeated use of legal or illegal substances in a way that is
harmful to oneself or others.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

neglect
the failure to provide needed care that results in physical, mental,
or emotional harm to a person.
active neglect
the purposeful failure to provide needed care, resulting in harm to
a person.
passive neglect
the unintentional failure to provide needed care, resulting in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

negligence
actions, or the failure to act or provide the proper care, that result
in unintended injury to a person.
malpractice
injury to a person due to professional misconduct through
negligence, carelessness, or lack of skill.

Transparency 1-5: Suspicious Injuries

The following injuries are considered suspicious and should be
reported:

• Poisoning or traumatic injury
• Teeth marks
• Belt buckle or strap marks
• Bruises, contusions, or welts
• Scars
• Fractures or dislocation
• Burns, including cigarette burns and scalds
• Scratches or puncture wounds
• Scalp tenderness or patches of missing hair
• Swelling in the face, broken teeth, or nasal discharge
• Bruises, bleeding, or discharge from the vaginal area

Transparency 1-6: Signs of Abuse

Signs that could indicate abuse include the following:

• Yelling obscenities
• Fear, apprehension, or fear of being alone
• Poor self-control
• Constant pain
• Threatening to hurt others
• Withdrawal or apathy
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Agitation, anxiety, or signs of stress
• Low self-esteem
• Mood changes, confusion, or disorientation
• Private conversations are not allowed, or the family member/caregiver is
present during all conversations
• Reports of questionable care by resident or her family

Transparency 1-7: Signs of Neglect

Signs that could indicate neglect include the following:

• Pressure injuries
• Unclean body
• Body lice
• Unanswered call lights
• Soiled bedding or incontinence briefs not being changed
• Poorly-fitting clothing
• Unmet needs relating to hearing aids, eyeglasses, etc.
• Weight loss, poor appetite
• Uneaten food
• Dehydration
• Fresh water or beverages not being offered regularly
• Reports of not receiving prescribed medication by resident or her family

Handout 1-2: Who is Vulnerable to Abuse or Neglect?

Handout 1-2: Who is Vulnerable to Abuse or Neglect? (cont’d)

Some people are more vulnerable to adult abuse or neglect than
others. They include the following:

• Elderly people
• People who have a physical illness or are disabled
• People who are developmentally disabled
• People who have a mental health disorder or condition
• People with communication problems, such as hearing, speech, and
vision impairments

All of these people have a few things in common that make them so vulnerable. They are often unable to stand up for themselves or to report abuse or neglect to others. They may not even understand that they have rights. Often these people can be much more demanding to care for, which increases the stress that caregivers have to deal with.

Handout 1-2: Who is Vulnerable to Abuse or Neglect? (cont’d)

Caregivers may not have been properly trained to care for these particular people, and they may not understand why these people behave the way they do. Caregivers may also be overworked, tired, stressed, and unappreciated, on top of caring for someone who requires so much time and energy.

These are the people who most need your help and protection from harm.

They may not be able to speak for themselves, but the signs of abuse and neglect may speak volumes for them. Know how to recognize these signs.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Think about these questions:

Why are these people so vulnerable?

How are Residents’ Rights related to abuse, and to the NA’s responsibility to protect residents from abuse?

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

REMEMBER:

NAs must never abuse residents in any way, and must report any suspected abuse. Reporting suspected abuse is the law. NAs must follow the chain of command when reporting abuse.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following term:

ombudsman
a legal advocate for residents in long-term care facilities; helps
resolve disputes and settle conflicts.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

These are the typical tasks of an ombudsman:

• Advocates for residents’ rights
• Educates consumers and care providers
• Investigates and resolves complaints
• Appears in court
• Works with investigators
• Gives information to public

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Facilities often have Residents’ Councils, which exist for these purposes:

• Meet regularly to discuss issues related to the care facility
• Give residents a voice in facility operations
• Provide a forum to discuss policies, activities, concerns, and
problems
• Allow residents to provide suggestions on improving the quality
of care at the facility

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Define the following terms:

confidentiality
the legal and ethical principle of keeping information private.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
a federal law that requires health information be kept private and secure and that organizations take special steps to protect this information.
protected health information (PHI)
a person’s private health information, which includes name, address, telephone number, social security number, email address, and medical record number.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

REMEMBER:

HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, including nursing assistants. Serious penalties can be imposed for not adhering to HIPAA’s guidelines.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

These guidelines are essential to protecting residents’ privacy:

• Listen to or read messages in a private area.
• Know with whom you are speaking on the phone.
• Do not talk about residents in public.
• Use confidential rooms for reports to care team members.
• Be careful greeting resident’s family members in public.
• Do not bring family or friends to the facility to meet residents.
• Make sure health or personal information on a computer screen is not visible to others; be sure to log out after finishing computer work.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Guidelines for protecting residents’ privacy (cont’d):

• Do not give confidential information in emails.
• Do not share resident information, photos, or videos on any
social networking site.
• Make sure fax numbers are correct before faxing, and use a
cover sheet with a confidentiality statement.
• Do not leave documents where others may see them.
• Store, file, or shred documents according to facility policy. If you find documents with a resident’s information on them, give them to the nurse.

7. List examples of legal and ethical behavior and explain Residents’
   Rights

Think about these questions:

How does confidentiality affect an NA’s use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)?

What would be an illegal use of social media (in terms of
confidentiality)? A legal use?

Is everything that is legal also ethical and professional?

8. Explain legal aspects of the resident’s medical record Careful, timely documentation is important because it
   • Guarantees clear and complete communication
   • Provides a legal record of treatment
   • Protects the NA and employer
   • Provides an up-to-date record of the resident’s status
9. Explain legal aspects of the resident’s medical record REMEMBER:
   If an NA does not document care, legally it was not done.
10. Explain legal aspects of the resident’s medical record NAs must follow these guidelines for documentation:
    • Document care immediately after it is given.
    • Think before documenting. Be brief and clear.
    • Use facts, not opinions.
    • Use black ink when documenting by hand.
    • Correct errors properly (see Figure 1-17 in text).
    • Sign full name and title.
    • Document according to the care plan.

The Nursing Assistant in Long-Term Care

8. Explain legal aspects of the resident’s medical record

For computer/electronic documentation, NAs must follow these
general guidelines:

• Always ask questions when needed. Even when electronic documentation is required, training often includes how to document by hand in case of system failure.
• Legal documentation rules apply to both electronic and paper
medical charts.
• HIPAA privacy guidelines apply to electronic documentation.
• Do not have anyone else enter information for you.
• Make sure you are logged in to the correct resident’s chart. Log out when finished.
• Make sure autofill entries are accurate.

8. Explain legal aspects of the resident’s medical record Computer documentation guidelines (cont’d):
   • Treat computers carefully.
   • Do not use facility computers to browse the internet or access any personal accounts.
9. Explain the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Define the following term:
   Minimum Data Set (MDS)
   a detailed form with guidelines for assessing residents in long- term care facilities; also lists what to do if resident problems are identified.
10. Explain the Minimum Data Set (MDS)

NAs should know the following about the MDS:

• Helps nurses complete resident assessments accurately
• Details what to do if resident problems are identified
• Must be completed for each resident within 14 days of
admission and again each year
• Must be reviewed every three months
• New MDS must be done when there is any major change in the
resident’s condition.

9. Explain the Minimum Data Set (MDS) REMEMBER:
   Nursing assistants have a key role in observing and reporting resident changes. NAs’ observations can trigger a new MDS to be completed, ensuring the resident receives the best possible care.
10. Discuss incident reports Define the following term:
    incident
    an accident, problem, or unexpected event during the course of care that is not part of the normal routine in a healthcare facility.
11. Discuss incident reports

All of the following events are considered incidents:

• Falls
• Damage to facility equipment or resident belongings
• Mistakes in care
• Requests outside scope of practice
• Sexual advances or remarks
• Anything that makes an NA feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• Injuries
• Blood or body fluids exposure

10. Discuss incident reports

When making an incident report the NA should

• Tell what happened.
• Describe the person’s reaction to the incident.
• State facts only.
• Do not document that an incident report was completed on the medical record.
• Describe the action taken.

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