Code of Ethics for CNAs

CNAs are responsible for taking care of the sick patients in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. They need to provide constant care and support to the ailing patients to make them feel comfortable and help them recover fast. Patients spend majority of their time with the CNAs and it is the duty of the CNAs to take good care of them. Here is an overview of code of ethics for CNAs.

CNAs should be very caring and compassionate while dealing with the patients. They also need to have high patience levels to be by the patient’s side all the time and help them do their daily activities. The patients are sick and not in a condition to do their routine activities. Hence, it is necessary for the CNAs to be helpful and considerate towards the patients. The patients may be experiencing some kind of physical pain and may vent out their frustration on the CNAs. CNAs cannot get angry on the patients. On the other hand, CNAs need to be calm and polite while handling such difficult situations. CNAs need to strictly adhere to the code of ethics in the medical profession to ensure that the patients get the best quality nursing care.

CNAs need to understand that the sick patients may be facing certain problems and may be a little depressed and worried about their health condition. It is the duty of the CNAs to encourage the patients and cheer them up to help them feel lighter and hopeful about their recovery. This can be done when the CNAs are empathetic towards the patients and have a good understanding of their situation.

There are certain principles laid down by the code of ethics for CNAs. These principles need to be strictly followed by all the nursing professionals to ensure that all the medical practices and procedures carried out are ethical and serve the best interests of the patients. The code of ethics for CNAs also gives clarity on the roles and job responsibilities of CNAs.

When an individual is not mentally and/or physically fit, he cannot cater to the health concerns of other individuals. Thus, it is very important for the CNAs to be physically, emotionally, mentally and socially very fit. They also need to be in a proper spiritual state of mind. In order to stay fit, CNAs can follow some routine health activities such as taking care of their diet and nutrition, giving time for proper relaxation and going for routine check-ups to ensure that they are in a good health condition. When on duty, the CNAs may at times feel sick or uneasy. In such cases, it is best to report this situation immediately to the seniors or the concerned persons in the healthcare facility so that the CNAs can take a leave and a substitute CNA can be arranged to take care of the patients.

CNAs also need to be well groomed and maintain cleanliness and hygiene when on duty. They have to follow all the rules and regulations laid down by the healthcare facility that they are working in, and ensure that they perform their duties up to the mark. They need to be extremely loyal towards the patients as well as to the staff in the medical facility. It is important that the CNAs do not discriminate the patients on grounds of ethnicity, sex, caste, creed or religion. They need to at all times respect the needs and rights of the patients and take care of them in the best possible manner. Similarly, the tasks done by the CNAs also need to be given due respect and cannot be looked down upon by other individuals. Following these simple codes of ethics ensures a healthy atmosphere in the healthcare facility.

CNAs need to possess complete and thorough knowledge of all the medical terminologies, practices and procedures. In case the CNAs are not aware of certain things, then it is best that they consult the seniors or experts in the medical field before they can jeopardize the whole medical process and risk the life of the patients.

CNAs also need to stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the medical field. They can go for additional training courses to stay abreast of all the latest developments in the healthcare industry. This ensures that the CNAs know all the latest medical procedures, treatments and techniques to help the patients in the best way possible.

CNAs also need to follow the principles of confidentiality when it comes to information about the patient's health condition and their treatment. The CNAs need to disclose the necessary medical information only to the concerned doctors and senior nurses as and when required, and need not discuss this information with other individuals. CNAs thus need to follow the code of ethics in a proper manner to ensure that the patients receive the best nursing care.