The CNAs code of ethics is a set of principles that CNAs live by. These principles are guidelines for how they should behave on the job and what they need to know about being an ethical CNA. Many new CNAs have questions about which behaviors are appropriate and which ones aren’t. In this post, we will examine some specific elements of this code that can help you identify whether or not you’re behaving ethically as a CNA!

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Protecting Patients Health

CNAs have a responsibility to do no harm themselves. They are also responsible for protecting the health of their patients by maintaining good hygiene, following safety protocol and using appropriate protective gear when they enter the room of someone who is potentially contagious or infected.

There are many ways to improve patient health. You can include the following:

Keep your hands clean and wear gloves when entering a room that has not been properly cleaned
Avoid contact with those who are obviously ill or contagious. If you must enter, don’t touch anything other than the bed and call for someone to remove their belongings as soon as they leave!
Keep your work space organized and clean.
When giving information to patients, be honest and direct. Let them know when their health is at risk but do it in a way that doesn’t scare or upset them unnecessarily.

Privacy

CNAs are bound to maintain confidentiality. This means that they do not disclose any patient information or private matters without the consent of their patients. CNAs also follow HIPAA laws, which protect patient privacy and prevent them from disclosing personal health information with anyone who should not have access to it (such as family members).

When you sign your contract, you agree to keep all patient information confidential. This includes details about their condition, medications and lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking alcohol excessively!

Following are some examples of confidentiality-preserving behaviors:

Not discussing patient information with anyone who is not medically related to their care
Changing your voicemail if you are leaving the hospital so that only medical personnel can leave messages for you
Turning off your phone or putting it on silent when entering a room where there might be private conversations taking place
Not using social media to discuss your job or patients (including pictures!)
Not discussing your patients with people who are not directly involved in their care (such as friends or family members)

Professionalism

CNAs are expected to be professional in their day-to-day interactions with patients, family members, co workers etc so that they can maintain a good reputation for themselves within the workplace. This means treating others how you would want them to treat you! It also includes treating all of your colleagues with respect and acting in a mature manner.

A professional CNA is polite and courteous at all times. They exhibit excellent communication skills, take the time to listen carefully to their patients’ concerns and make every effort to be kind even when they are rushed or under stress. There are many ways that you can demonstrate your sensitivity towards others while maintaining professionalism:

Dress appropriately for work (this includes wearing appropriate shoes!)
Maintain good hygiene (take the time to remove your make up and wash your face before you leave so that patients can feel comfortable around you)
When speaking with a patient, use language they understand. Remember that not everyone is familiar with medical terms so translate them if necessary!

Patients are at their most vulnerable when they are in the hospital. They trust you with their lives so it’s important to not only put your best foot forward but also be aware of how you’re treating them!

Respecting the Laws

CNAs are expected to follow all laws related to their practice. This includes drug control acts or health care legislation that is in place for your particular country! CNAs who violate the law can be fined and/or have their license revoked so it’s important to stay up-to-date on these policies. You should also be aware of any other ethical guidelines that have been put in place for your profession so you can follow these rules as well.

Stay Updated

A CNA is also expected to stay up to date with the latest medical practices and techniques. CNAs are expected to provide the best care possible. This includes knowing what is most effective for their patients and taking steps to learn how they can implement new methods into their practice! They are expected to attend conferences, read books on new procedures or medications that have been approved by their particular chartered organization (such as ANCC) and keep an open mind about learning more about alternative medicine.

Some tips are as following:

Ask your doctor to recommend books or articles that you can read about the latest in healthcare
Ask for continuing education classes at work (they are often offered free of charge)
Attend conferences when possible and take advantage of seminars hosted by professional organizations, colleges or universities. You do not need to pay a fee if you’re attending for educational purposes!
If you’re not sure about a medication or treatment, ask your higher up. They might be able to provide more insight and point out resources that they find helpful when making their own decisions in the workplace.

Selfcare

CNAs are expected to practice proper self-care. This means that they must know their limits and not overextend themselves in any way.

If you notice yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a step back for your own well being! It is better to admit defeat than it is to completely burn out because of poor time management or stress. Here are some ways you can take care of yourself:

Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly (even if it’s just taking a walk during your lunch break) because this will help reduce anxiety levels. Even small amounts of physical activity each day can make a huge difference in your energy levels!
Practice stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation. You can also try taking deep breaths to calm yourself down if you’re feeling overwhelmed at work.

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

Finally, CNAs are expected to take full responsibility for any errors they make on the job and should be willing to acknowledge their mistakes without making excuses. They should also find ways that they can improve upon these areas so that other patients do not receive subpar care! This is part of being a good nurse and showing your dedication to the profession.