When the family asks questions.

[AroseN]

I work in assisted living and I am expected to do vitals on second shift on any resident who has fallen is sick or new/readmit. Usually around the time I am doing the vitals family is visiting. When I am asked by the family why am I taking vitals of their family member is it a violation of HIPAA to tell them that it is because they fell. I have never worked in health care before and my first instinct is that they deserve to know. However if they weren't already informed it puts me in an awkward situation.

[caliotter3]

"My charge nurse requested me to do so. You might want to talk with her." Pass this buck. You have no responsibility to discuss patient condition with anyone other than your immediate supervisor.

[rndreams14]

Hello AroseN,

In my Nurse Aide course, I believe my instructor said that if family asks questions we can simply direct them to the nurse in charge. Also, I was just offered a job at a LTC on second shift would you mind telling me what your typical shift consists of?

[AroseN]

Bringing people down to supper, helping one resident eat, feeding two other residents. 2 hour toileting schedule. Blood sugar checks before supper. Bringing residents back to rooms and making sure they are comfortable (turning on the tv, putting on music, putting a blanket over them etc.) Individual care will be varied. Taking tedhose off and washing said tedhose is common, putting lotions on. Prep H. Learn when your residents go to bed and know how many blankets they like, Pull back sheets make sure there is a pad on the bed. Some residents have unique care like having a commode set out near their bed. Help get them into their bedclothes. Check to see whose vitals need to be done. Don't be afraid to ask questions, it takes awhile to know each residents needs and rhythm. Things will come up that will change responsibilities, such as falls or being short staffed. Also at my facility we have shower aides that come in, so I check to see who is getting showers and check with that aide since most will get the resident that they shower ready for bed. I think that covers most of it. Hope it helps some.