Nurse Aide Role, Scope of Practice and Registry Requirements Flashcards

Which task is outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant?

Answer: Administering prescribed medications

Nursing assistants perform delegated tasks under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Giving medications is outside the CNA's scope unless specifically authorized by state law and training, which is not the case in the general nurse aide role.

You are asked to do a task you have not been trained to do. What should you do?

Answer: Politely decline and explain that you have not been trained, then tell the nurse

Performing tasks you are not trained for can harm residents and put your registry listing at risk. Tell the nurse and ask for training or reassignment.

You suspect that a coworker is abusing a resident. What is your legal and ethical responsibility?

Answer: Report it immediately to your supervisor or according to facility policy and state law

Nurse aides are mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or misappropriation immediately through the proper chain of command. Substantiated findings against an aide are entered on the nurse aide registry and can end their career.

What is the purpose of the nurse aide registry?

Answer: To record aides who have met competency requirements and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation

Federal law requires each state to keep a nurse aide registry showing that aides have completed training and passed competency evaluation, and including any findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property. Employers check the registry before hiring.

Under federal rules, what can cause a nurse aide's registry status to lapse?

Answer: Going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work

Federal rules require nurse aides to have performed at least some paid nursing or nursing-related services within a 24-month period to remain active. After a lapse, the aide generally has to retrain or retest.

Who does a nursing assistant report to and take assignments from in a long-term care facility?

Answer: The supervising licensed nurse

Nursing assistants work under the direction of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN), who delegates tasks and supervises care. Following the chain of command ensures safe, coordinated care.