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equal opportunity employment journal
from all over the world
September 2021
NURSES: Working as ple come from all over the world dy here, to practice here, and to be treated here. a Team With Certified Nursing Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Assistants Health are committed to excellence in the
actice here, and to be treated here.
by Carmen Morehead
delivery of patient care, educating the health professionals of tomorrow and discovering new knowledge. As one of the
ity and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals most distinguished medical institutions in nce in the the delivery patient care, country,ofour history is filled educating with s Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals ertified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are a crucial part of of tomorrow and discovering new knowledge. outstanding people and accomplishments. the healthcare team. They take vital signs, measure mmitted to excellence in the delivery of patient care, educating intake and urine output, feed and clean patients, inclusion and cultural guishedDiversity, medical institutions incompetence the country, and reposition those who require turning every two hours. lth professionals of tomorrow and discovering new knowledge. are critical components of our mission and outstanding people and accomplishments.Let's be honest, nurses couldn't make it through the day of the most distinguished medical institutions in the country, without them. we celebrate the uniqueness of each of ultural are critical components of There are unfortunately times when CNAs feel undervaltory is competence filled withouroutstanding people and accomplishments. ued. Dynamics fostering division between the nurse and the employees every day. nurse assistant unfortunately cloud work relationships. These rate the uniqueness each of our y, inclusion and culturalofcompetence areemployees critical components of
C
divisions mirror the difference between the doctor and the nurse. It is important to recognize that the CNA is not subordinate to the nurse and that teamwork is facilitated through good communication. Here are four guidelines for creating a positive work environment with nursing assistants:
sion and weTocelebrate theabout uniqueness each of our employees learn more Jefferson,of visit ay.
rson visit www.jeffersonhr.org
1. Let Yourself Be Taught more about Jefferson visit www.jeffersonhr.org
To apply online visit: ruit.jefferson.edu
y online visit Recruit.jefferson.edu
NIVERSITY AND HOSPITALS AS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY AND HOSPITALS THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY & JEFFERSON HEALTH
It is never appropriate to look down on a nurse assistant. Despite your education as an RN, you may not have the same level of patient care experience as a nurse assistant. Even if you are an experienced RN moving to a new area, the nursing assistant will be able to help you adjust to caring for that particular patient population. Make it a habit to ask questions and seek the input of the CNA, empowering them to teach you. This will establish a strong foundation for your professional relationship and make everyone feel valued.
2. Always Ask, Never Demand I think it is worth stating again: the nursing assistant does not work for the nurse. Ask politely for help: "Do you mind helping Mr. Thomas to the bathroom?" Please don't ever ask a CNA to do a task for you when you are sitting at the desk on your phone. It makes you appear lazy, and they will be less "Nurse Teams" continued on page 32
