Role of the Nurse Aide - Member of the Health Care Team
Core concepts
You are one member of a team that includes the resident and family, nurses, therapists, dietitians, social workers, activity staff, and physicians. Know the chain of command and whom to report to. Delegation from the nurse must be appropriate: the right task, under the right circumstances, to the right person, with clear directions, and with supervision available. You may accept a task you are trained for and refuse one outside your scope or one that is unsafe. Be accountable: arrive on time, follow the care plan, report changes, document accurately, and contribute observations at care conferences. Handle conflict directly and professionally with the person involved, and involve a supervisor when needed. Use time management and priority setting, and manage your own stress so it does not reach residents.
Traps to watch for
- Accepting a delegated task you are not trained for because refusing feels rude.
- Going to the physician or family directly with a concern instead of the charge nurse.
- Gossiping about a coworker or a resident in the break room.
- Skipping a scheduled task without telling anyone, or leaving it for the next shift silently.
- Arguing with a coworker in front of a resident.
- Ignoring a family member's report of a change; pass it to the nurse.
Rule of thumb
Stay in your lane, but do not stay silent. If an assignment is unsafe or outside your scope, say so politely to the nurse, document your concern, and ask for direction.