Understanding Stna Job Duties: A Comprehensive Guide
Being a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) is a fulfilling and challenging job. STNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. They work closely with nurses and other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the care they need. In this article, we will explore the various duties of an STNA in detail.
Assisting with Daily Living Activities
One of the primary duties of an STNA is to help patients with their daily living activities. This includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. STNAs also help patients with eating and drinking, and may assist patients with using the bathroom. They are trained to handle patients who are unable to perform these tasks on their own due to illness, injury, or disability.
STNAs may also help patients with mobility issues. They may assist patients with walking, transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, or using a lift to move patients who are unable to move on their own.
Monitoring Vital Signs
Another important duty of an STNA is to monitor patients' vital signs. This includes measuring patients' temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate. STNAs are trained to recognize abnormal vital signs and report them to the nurse or other medical professionals. They may also be responsible for recording vital signs in the patient's medical chart.
Providing Emotional Support
STNAs are often the primary caregivers for patients, and they play an important role in providing emotional support to patients and their families. They may spend a lot of time with patients, and may be responsible for providing comfort and reassurance to patients who are anxious or in pain. They may also help patients cope with the emotional stress of being in a healthcare setting.
Assisting with Medical Procedures
STNAs may be responsible for assisting with medical procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and feeding tube insertion. They are trained to follow proper infection control procedures and to handle medical equipment safely. They may also be responsible for preparing patients for medical procedures by explaining the procedure and providing emotional support.
Observing and Reporting Changes in Patients' Conditions
STNAs are responsible for observing patients and reporting any changes in their condition to the nurse or other medical professionals. They may observe changes in the patient's vital signs, behavior, or physical condition. They are trained to recognize signs of distress or deterioration and report them promptly.
Assisting with Rehabilitation
STNAs may work with patients who are recovering from illness or injury. They may assist with exercises or other rehabilitation activities as directed by the nurse or physical therapist. They may also provide emotional support to patients who are struggling with the physical and emotional challenges of rehabilitation.
Managing Patients' Personal Belongings
STNAs are responsible for managing patients' personal belongings, such as clothing, eyeglasses, and dentures. They may assist with laundry, cleaning patients' rooms, and storing patients' belongings. They are trained to handle patients' personal belongings with care and respect.
Assisting with End-of-Life Care
STNAs may be responsible for providing end-of-life care to patients and their families. They may help with comfort measures such as positioning, bathing, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They may also assist with preparing the body for transport after the patient has passed away.
Communicating with Patients and Families
STNAs are responsible for communicating with patients and their families. They may provide information about the patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress. They may also answer questions and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Following Safety Procedures
STNAs are responsible for following safety procedures to ensure the safety of patients, themselves, and other healthcare workers. They are trained to follow proper infection control procedures, use personal protective equipment, and handle medical equipment safely. They may also be responsible for reporting safety concerns to the nurse or other medical professionals.
Documenting Patient Care
STNAs are responsible for documenting patient care in the patient's medical chart. They may record vital signs, patient observations, and any interventions they perform. They are trained to follow proper documentation procedures and to keep patient information confidential.
Assisting with Transportation
STNAs may be responsible for assisting with patient transportation. They may help patients get into and out of vehicles, or accompany patients during transport to medical appointments or other healthcare settings.
Providing Comfort Measures
STNAs are responsible for providing comfort measures to patients. They may provide back rubs, apply heat or cold packs, or provide other comfort measures as directed by the nurse or other medical professionals. They may also provide emotional support to patients who are anxious or in pain.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
STNAs are responsible for continuing their education and professional development. They may attend training sessions or conferences to learn about new medical procedures, treatments, or technologies. They may also be responsible for maintaining their certification by completing continuing education courses and passing certification exams.
Conclusion
Becoming an STNA is a rewarding career that requires compassion, patience, and dedication. STNAs play a critical role in providing basic care to patients and supporting their emotional and physical well-being. By understanding the various duties of an STNA, you can gain a greater appreciation for the important work that they do.
Remember, if you are considering a career as an STNA, it is important to seek out proper training and certification from a reputable healthcare provider.
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