CNA Key Terms Chapter 1

Acute Illness

An illness of rapid onset and short duration; the person is expected to recover

Admission

The official entry of a person into a healthcare setting

Assisted Living Residence (ALR)

Provides housing, personal care, support services, health care, and social activities in a home-like setting to persons needing some help with daily activities

Chain of Command

The order of authority in an agency 

Chronic Illness

A long-term health condition that may not have a cure; it can be controlled and complications prevented with proper treatment

Discharge

The official departure of a person from a health care setting

Health System

A coordinated network of health care agencies and services

Health Team

The many health care workers whose skills and knowledge focus on the person’s total care; interdisciplinary health care team

Hospice

A health care agency or program that promotes comfort and quality of life for the dying person and the person’s family

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A nurse who has completed a practical nursing program and has passed a licensing test; called licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California and Texas

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

See “licensed practical nurse (LPN)”

Nursing Assistant

A person who has passed a nursing assistant training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP); performs delegated nursing tasks under the supervision of a licensed nurse 

Nursing Team

. Those who provide nursing care - RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing assistants

Registered Nurse (RN)

A nurse who has completed a 2-, 3-, or 4- year nursing program and has passed a licensing test

Regulations

Rules made by government agencies 

Survey

The formal review of an agency through the collection of facts and observations

Surveyor

A person who collects information by observing and asking questions

Terminal Illness

An illness or injury from which the person will not likely recover; death is expected