Some of the duties performed by nursing assistants include activities that........

1. Protect the rights of residents
    a. Treat the resident with respect.
    b. Protect resident's privacy and maintain confidentiality.
    c. Keep call bells within the resident's reach and answer promptly.
    d. Give resident choices whenever possible.
    e. Assist in recreational and spiritual activities of the resident's choice.
2. Help the unit function smoothly
    a. Report for duty on time and ready to work.
    b. Cooperate with other team members.
    c. Communicate effectively with residents, their families, and other members of the interdis-
        ciplinary health care team.
    d. Follow facility policies.
    e. Know and carry out assignments.
3. Protect the safety of residents
    a. Keep units clean and clutter free.
    b. Know how to operate equipment properly.
    c. Use standard precautions for routine care.
    d. Follow the principles of medical asepsis, including transmission-based isolation precautions
        when appropriate.
    e. Make beds properly.
    f. Report potential hazards as soon as noted.
    g. Using bed siderails and restraints properly.
    h. Know and practice the fire safety plan of the facility.
    i. Know and practice the disaster plan of the facility.
    j. Know and practice emergency procedures for obstructed airway (Heimlich maneuver) and
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
    k. Follow oxygen precautions carefully.
4. Help resident by observing and collecting data
    a. Measure and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure).
    b. Measure weight and height.
    c. Measure intake and output.
    d. Collect specimens.
    e. Document and report observations of resident's condition.
5. Help residents meet personal hygiene needs
    a. Bathe residents.
    b. Give oral hygiene.
    c. Provide denture care.
    d. Provide nail and hair care.
    e. Assist residents to dress and undress.
    f. Shave residents.
    g. Apply support hose.
6. Help residents meet nutritional needs
    a. Check food trays.
    b. Serve food trays.
    c. Assist residents who can help themselves.
    d. Feed dependent residents.
    e. Provide fresh water, nourishments, and supplements.
7. Help residents meet elimination needs.
    a. Assist with bedpans, urinals, and commodes.
    b. Empty urine collection bags.
    c. Assist with colostomy care.
8. Help residents with restoration and mobility
    a. Turn and position residents in bed, wheelchair, or geri-chair to prevent complictions of
        immobility.
    b. Assist in transfer activities.
    c. Carry out range of motion exercises.
    d. Help with ambulation.
    e. Assist with restorative activities.
    f. Encourage independence.
9. Help in carrying out special procedures
    a. Admitting, transfer, and discharge.
    b. Warm and cold applications.
    c. Providing catheter care.
    d. Providing ostomy care.