chapter 2 CNA

What changed in the role of nursing assistants over time?

Early nursing assistants had little or no formal training; modern nursing assistants complete standardized training programs.

What is the purpose of OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) of 1987

To improve quality of care in long-term care facilities by setting training, competency, and registry requirements for nursing assistants.

What topics are included in nursing assistant training?

Infection control, residents’ rights, safety procedures, feeding techniques.

What is NOT within a nursing assistant’s scope of practice?

Suturing wounds or performing medical procedures.

What must nursing assistants pass to become certified?

A written exam and a skills performance test.

Who are members of the nursing team?

RN, LPN, LVN, and PCT.

Is “holistic nurse” a recognized professional title?

No

Who was Florence Nightingale?

Founder of modern nursing; promoted hygiene, training programs, and standardized care.

What training programs are approved for nursing assistants?

State-approved programs, often provided by long-term care facilities.

Are online or informal CNA programs valid for certification?

No

What information is included in the OBRA registry?

Full name, last known address, certification status, and abuse/neglect findings.

What is the most important responsibility of a nursing assistant?

Observing and reporting changes in a resident’s condition.

Can nursing assistants create care plans?

No

When can a nursing assistant refuse a delegated task?

If it’s outside their training, scope, unsafe, or illegal.

What are the Five Rights of Delegation?

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, right supervision.

What is reciprocity for CNAs?

Transferring certification to another state without retaking the exam.

Who is responsible for completing continuing education?

The nursing assistant.

Who supervises nursing assistants in long-term care facilities?

RNs or LPNs.

Which tasks are outside a nursing assistant’s scope?

Giving medications, accepting phone orders, changing sterile dressings, removing catheters, assessing patients.

What should a nursing assistant do if given an unclear or unauthorized task?

Clarify with the nurse and refuse tasks requiring medical judgment.

What is the team nursing model?

A system where a team leader assigns tasks based on each member’s skills

Can nursing assistants accept verbal or telephone orders from providers?

No — they must refer the provider to an RN or LPN.