Nurse Assisting
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Chapter 13 Expanded Skills

Click on the skills to review expanded skills discussed in this chapter.

Starting-Up Steps

  1. Knock before entering, identify the client, and introduce yourself.
  2. Complete hand hygiene.
  3. Provide for privacy.
  4. Explain to the client what you will be doing before you start doing it.
  5. Assemble your supplies.
  6. Ensure that the bed is at a good working height and is locked; or, if the bed is not in use, you are in an ergonomically correct position to assist the client.

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Placing a Call Light

When: A call light must always be in each client room and easily accessible to the client.

Why: To ensure a client is cared for promptly should they need help.

What: Supplies needed for this skill include

  • Call light

How:

  1. Check that the call light system is working properly. If it is not, report it to the nurse immediately.
    1. If the call light system is not working, clients must be given an alternative system to call for aid. If an alternative is not available, the client must be told to wait in a common area with access to staff until the system is fixed.
  2. Place the call light within reach or easy access of the client.
  3. If the client is unable to use the call light, offer an alternative such as a bell to ring.

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Proper Handling of Linen

  1. Complete your starting-up steps.
  2. Select linens needed for the caregiving process. Keep linens away from your uniform. Place clean linens on a clean surface in the client’s room until needed.
  3. If linens should fall on the floor they are considered soiled. Place them immediately in the soiled linen bag.
  4. During caregiving, with gloved hands, place soiled linens in a soiled linen bag at the foot of the bed or on a chair next to the caregiving area.
  5. At the completion of caregiving, remove your gloves, discard in a wastebasket and perform hand hygiene.
  6. Complete finishing-up steps before leaving the client.
  7. After leaving the client’s room immediately take the soiled linen bag to the appropriate area as designated by the facility.

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Finishing-Up Steps

  1. Ensure that all of the client’s needs have been met and that the client is positioned as desired.
  2. See to safety. Replace any alarms or positioning devices, as indicated on the care plan or individual service plan. The bed is in the low position and is locked.
  3. Place the call light within easy reach.
  4. Clean and replace equipment, and return supplies to the designated place in the client’s room or facility storage area.
  5. Leave the room clean and in order. Ensure that the bed is made. Remove trash and dirty linens from the room.
  6. Complete hand hygiene.
  7. Report and document, as required by your facility.

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