How To Spot Abuse As A Cna And What To Do About It Once You Do

How To Spot Abuse As A Cna And What To Do About It Once You Do

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One of the skills necessary to be an excellent certified nurse's assistant is the skill of observation. It is your job to look out for those in your charge that cannot fend for him or herself due to either illness, injury, or age. This latter part is particularly true of those Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) that work in assisted living or retired nursing facilities, otherwise known as nursing homes. The CNA must be on the lookout for those in the industry who would abuse or neglect the elderly. Things to watch for are as follows:

*Physical or verbal abuse or threats of abuse
*Emotional abuse
*Financial exploitation
*Sexual abuse
*Neglect or threats of neglect.

Recognize Abuse

While it is unfortunate, abuse of elderly patients happens, usually right under everyone's nose. Those that are abused may be unable or too afraid to come forward and tell anyone. As a certified nurse's assistant, you will work more closely with these patients than anyone else. You must be aware of any signs that could indicate abuse of one of your patients and be ready to report that abuse the moment that you recognize it.

Abuse Or Illness

The abused often cannot tell on their abuser for fear of reprisal. It could be anyone from another CNA, a nurse, or other member of the staff, or even a family member that is responsible for the abuse. Signs of abuse can be anything from a sudden change in the patient's attitude, sudden lack of trust, loss of appetite, or marks and bruises on the patient's body. Unfortunately, almost all of these can be attributed to one illness or another.

How To Report Abuse

The abused patient may actually come to you with the problem if you have gained their trust. The best thing that you can do is to report it immediately to the closest supervisor whom you trust is not a part of or privy to the information. It may be that someone already suspects what is going on and needs confirmation that only you can provide. Whatever you do, make sure that you keep the information in-house unless nothing is done to stop the abuse. Going to outside authorities, right off the bat, could lead to scandal and other patients could suffer.

Do The Right Thing The Right Way

The point is that the institution may be providing an excellent service to its patients and this is an isolated incident that can be stopped and prevented. Outside influences can lead to a shut down of the entire facility putting many people out of work and landing you on a do not hire list for not following your immediate chain of command. Do the right thing, in the right way.


About the Author:
Ready to begin a career as a certified nursing assistant or CNA? Then consider online CNA training courses. Finish school much faster and from the convenience of your own home. Learn more from http://www.onlinecnatrainingcourses.com/



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