The Nursing Assistant and Care Team Overview

The Nursing Assistant and the Care Team

1. Identification of Care Team Members

  • Residents possess different needs and problems that require a comprehensive approach to care.

  • A group of healthcare professionals with varying levels of education and experience collaborates to provide care, referred to as the care team.

Members of the Care Team

  1. Nursing Assistant (NA)

    • Responsibilities:

      • Performs assigned tasks such as measuring vital signs.

      • Provides or assists with personal care, including bathing residents and helping with elimination needs.

    • Significance:

      • Nursing assistants spend more time with residents than other care team members.

      • They serve as the "eyes and ears" of the team, crucial for observing and reporting any changes in a resident's condition or abilities.

    • Training Requirements:

      • Must complete at least 75 hours of training; in many states, training exceeds 100 hours.

      • Candidates must pass a competency evaluation following the approved training course.

  2. Registered Nurse (RN)

    • Responsibilities:

      • Coordinates, manages, and provides skilled nursing care at long-term care facilities.

      • Administers special treatments and medications as prescribed by physicians.

      • Assigns tasks and supervises daily care performed by nursing assistants.

    • Background:

      • RNs are licensed professionals who have graduated from a two- to four-year nursing program.

      • They possess diplomas or college degrees and have passed a national licensure examination.

      • May have additional academic degrees or specialize in other fields of nursing.

  3. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

    • Responsibilities:

      • Administers medications and performs treatments under the supervision of RNs or physicians.

    • Background:

      • LPNs and LVNs are licensed professionals who have completed one to two years of education.

      • They must pass a national licensure examination to obtain their license.

  4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    • Definition:

      • An advanced practice registered nurse, also known as an advanced practice nurse (APN), is a registered nurse who has undergone additional training and education to provide advanced care.

    • Note: Further details regarding the specific roles and responsibilities of APRNs may be elaborated in subsequent sections.