As a nursing assistant, it is important to:

The emphasis on needing a written job description before employment is grounded in the importance of clarity and understanding of one’s role within the healthcare team. A written job description outlines the specific duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with the position. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings about what tasks a nursing assistant is qualified to perform and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

Having a clear job description helps nursing assistants understand their scope of practice, which is critical for maintaining patient safety and delivering effective care. It delineates the limitations of their responsibilities, ensuring that they do not overstep their bounds or attempt tasks that are outside their training and expertise. This clarity can significantly enhance both the workflow within a healthcare setting and the quality of care provided to patients.

In contrast, while following directions from a nurse is important for patient care, it should always occur within the framework established by the job description. Similarly, making decisions about a person’s care typically falls outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant, as those decisions are generally made by licensed professionals. Administering medication is also a task typically reserved for nurses and requires proper licensing and training, reinforcing the need for a well-defined understanding of job responsibilities.