You walk onto the floor for your first clinical shift. You’re ready to help, but suddenly a doctor asks you to adjust an IV drip, a family member demands a diagnosis, and your nurse is busy with another emergency. Who do you listen to? What can you legally do?

This is the “Member of a Healthcare Team” domain. It’s not just about being a good teammate; it’s about understanding the legal boundaries of your license and the safety protocols that protect your patients and your career. Many students fail these questions not because they don’t care, but because they confuse “being helpful” with “staying within scope.”

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know to ace this 8–12% section of the exam, focusing on Scope of Practice, Chain of Command, and HIPAA.

💡 Quick Stat: While this section only accounts for about 10% of your total exam score, misunderstanding these concepts is the #1 reason competent students fail the boards. Don’t let a legal error derail your certification!

Understanding Member of a Healthcare Team: Your Exam Blueprint

This topic covers the professional, legal, and interpersonal aspects of working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. It focuses on the “who,” “what,” and “how” of healthcare delivery. Who reports to whom? What tasks are legally yours? How do you communicate critical information? It is the foundation of safe practice.

Where This Topic Fits in Your Exam

pie showData
  title "Member of a Healthcare Team on the CNA Exam"
  "Member of a Healthcare Team" : 10
  "Other Exam Topics" : 90

This 10% represents the “rules of the game.” If you don’t know the rules, you can’t play safely.

What You Need to Know Within Member of a Healthcare Team

flowchart TD
    MAIN["🎯 Member of a Healthcare Team<br/>(10% of Exam)"]

    MAIN --> ST1["📌 Scope of Practice<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST2["📌 Chain of Command<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST3["📌 Communication (SBAR)<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST4["📋 Delegation Rules<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST5["📋 Team Roles (MD/RN/PT)<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST6["📄 Confidentiality (HIPAA)<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST7["📄 Professional Ethics<br/><small>Low Frequency</small>"]

    style MAIN fill:#1976D2,color:#fff,stroke:#1565C0
    style ST1 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST2 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST3 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST4 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800
    style ST5 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800
    style ST6 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800
    style ST7 fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#9e9e9e

The “green” nodes are your high-yield areas. You must master Scope of Practice, Chain of Command, and SBAR Communication to pass. The “orange” nodes are important but appear slightly less frequently.

📋 Study Strategy: Prioritize the “Green” zones first. If you know exactly what you cannot do (Scope) and exactly who you report to (Chain of Command), you will answer 90% of questions in this section correctly.

High-Yield Cheat Sheet: Healthcare Team at a Glance

This domain is about protection—protecting the patient, protecting the facility, and protecting your license. Here is the “CliffsNotes” version of what you need to memorize.

mindmap
  root(("Member of<br/>Healthcare Team"))
    (Scope of Practice)
      (Legal Limits)
      (No Diagnosing)
      (No Invasive Procedures)
    (Chain of Command)
      (Report to RN/LPN)
      (Escalate if needed)
      ["Really Caring Nurses<br/>Demand Action"]
    (Communication)
      (SBAR)
      (Objective Charting Only)
      (Report Changes Immediately)
    (Team Roles)
      (RN Creates Plan)
      (CNA Implements Care)
      (PT/OT/Therapy Support)
    (Ethics & Privacy)
      (HIPAA)
      (Mandated Reporting)
      (Patient Advocacy)

Pillar 1: Scope of Practice & Legal Responsibilities

This defines what you are legally allowed to do. Your scope is set by state law and the facility. You cannot perform tasks outside this scope, even if asked by a doctor or family member. Remember: Good intentions do not protect your license.

Pillar 2: Chain of Command & Delegation

This is the path of authority. You report to the Nurse (RN or LPN). If you are asked to do something unsafe or outside your training, you must refuse using the right channel. You accept tasks only if you are trained and competent.

Pillar 3: Effective Communication & Reporting

You are the eyes and ears of the team. You collect data (vitals, observations) and report it to the nurse. Documentation must be objective (facts only), never subjective (opinions). Use SBAR for critical reporting.

Pillar 4: The Multidisciplinary Team

You work with many departments. The RN manages the care plan; the MD diagnoses and prescribes; PT/OT work on mobility/rehab; and Dietary manages nutrition. You coordinate care with them but take orders only from your supervising nurse.

Pillar 5: Ethics, Rights, and Privacy

HIPAA rules govern patient privacy. Never discuss patients in public areas. You are a Mandated Reporter, meaning you must report any suspicion of abuse or neglect immediately.

How Member of a Healthcare Team Connects to Other Exam Topics

This topic is the “glue” that holds the rest of the exam together. It is almost impossible to answer a question about Infection Control or Safety without understanding your role within the team.

flowchart TD
    subgraph CORE["Member of Healthcare Team"]
        A["Scope of Practice"]
        B["Reporting Changes"]
        C["HIPAA/Privacy"]
    end

    subgraph RELATED["Connected Topics"]
        D["Infection Control"]
        E["Safety & Emergency"]
        F["Basic Nursing Skills"]
    end

    A -->|"Defines legal limits for sterilization"| D
    B -->|"Chain of Command during codes"| E
    C -->|"Protects data during vital collection"| F

    style CORE fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976D2
    style RELATED fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#757575

Why These Connections Matter

• Infection Control: You might know how to wash your hands, but you need to know who to report to if you see a reddened wound (Team Role).
• Safety: In a fire, knowing your role helps the team function efficiently without chaos.
• Basic Skills: Taking a blood pressure is a skill; knowing which BP reading requires an immediate call to the nurse is a Team Member concept.

💡 Exam Strategy: If you are stuck on a clinical skills question, ask yourself: “Is this safe? Is this my legal job?” If the answer is no, the answer is usually “Report to the nurse.”

What to Prioritize: High-Yield vs. Supporting Details

Not all information in this domain is equal. You need to focus your energy on the concepts that appear most frequently and carry the highest weight.

quadrantChart
    title Study Priority Matrix
    x-axis "Low Complexity" --> "High Complexity"
    y-axis "Low Yield" --> "High Yield"
    quadrant-1 "Master These"
    quadrant-2 "Know Well"
    quadrant-3 "Basic Awareness"
    quadrant-4 "Review If Time"
    "Scope Limitations": [0.25, 0.85]
    "Chain of Command": [0.35, 0.90]
    "Reporting Changes": [0.20, 0.95]
    "HIPAA": [0.15, 0.80]
    "Delegation": [0.60, 0.70]
    "Team Roles": [0.50, 0.60]
    "Grievance Procedures": [0.80, 0.30]
    "Ombudsman": [0.70, 0.40]

Priority Table

🎯 Strategic Insight: Spend 60% of your time on the Red categories. If you can define “Scope of Practice” and “Chain of Command” in your sleep, you are in good shape.

Essential Knowledge: Healthcare Team Deep Dive

Scope of Practice & Legal Responsibilities

Scope of Practice is the legal boundary of your job. It defines what you are allowed to do based on your education and certification. Crossing this boundary is considered “practicing medicine without a license,” which is a crime.

Key Concepts:

• The Nursing Practice Act: This state law governs nursing practice. Your scope is derived from this.
• Tasks CNAs Cannot Do: Inserting IVs or catheters (in most states), giving injections (unless a specific Med Aide), taking phone orders from doctors, diagnosing medical conditions, or sterile procedures.
• Consequences: If you perform a task outside your scope, you lose your certification, face legal action, and endanger the patient.

Comparison Title: Nursing Roles (RN vs. LPN vs. CNA)

Exam Focus:

• Questions will often ask, “Which of the following tasks can the CNA perform?”
• Look for invasive tasks (sterile, entering body cavities) – these are usually RN.
• Look for hygiene/feeding/vitals – these are CNA.

💡 Memory Tip: “No Needles, No Tubes.” If it involves a needle or going inside a body cavity that isn’t the mouth/rectum for basic care, it’s likely not your scope.

Chain of Command & Delegation

The Chain of Command is the formal line of authority. It protects the patient by ensuring that problems get solved even if your immediate supervisor is unavailable. Delegation is when the RN transfers authority to you for a specific task.

Key Concepts:

• Immediate Supervisor: You answer to the RN or LPN. You do not take direct orders from doctors or family members.
• The 5 Rights of Delegation: Right Task, Right Circumstance, Right Person, Right Direction/Communication, Right Supervision.
• Accepting/Declining: You can decline a task if you haven’t been trained for it, it’s unsafe, or it’s outside your scope.

Comparison Title: Verbal Report vs. Documentation

Exam Focus:

• Scenario: The nurse ignores your report. What do you do? Answer: Go up the chain (Charge Nurse).
• Scenario: The doctor asks you to do something. Answer: “I will need to check with my nurse first.”

💡 Memory Trick: Really Caring Nurses Demand Action.

• Regular Nurse
• Charge Nurse
• Nursing Supervisor / DON
• Director / Administrator
• Agency / State Surveyor

Effective Communication & Reporting

Communication is the lifeline of healthcare. The SBAR tool is the standard for professional reporting.

Key Concepts:

• Objective vs. Subjective:
  • Objective: Fact-based, measurable. “Patient ate 50% of lunch.” “Skin is red and blanching.”
  • Subjective: Opinion-based. “Patient seems sad.” “Patient looks like they are in pain.”
• Timeliness: Report changes immediately. Do not wait for the end of the shift.
• Charting Rules: “If you didn’t chart it, you didn’t do it.” Never correct a chart by using white-out or erasing; draw a line through and write “error” and your initials.

Exam Focus:

• Identifying which statement is objective.
• Knowing the components of SBAR.

💡 Memory Trick: Objective = Observable and measurable. If you can’t measure it with a number or a specific description, it might be subjective.

The Multidisciplinary Team

Healthcare is a team sport. While you work closest with the nurse, you will interact with many departments.

Key Concepts:

• MD (Doctor): Diagnoses and prescribes.
• RN/LPN: Manages daily care and supervises you.
• PT (Physical Therapist): Works on mobility, walking, strength.
• OT (Occupational Therapist): Works on daily living skills (dressing, eating).
• Speech Therapy: Works on swallowing and communication.
• Social Services: Handles discharge planning, emotional support, and financial resources.

Exam Focus:

• “Who is responsible for this aspect of care?”
• Example: Patient choking on food? Refer to Speech Therapy and Dietary.

Ethics, Rights, and Privacy

Key Concepts:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Protects patient privacy. Applies to talking, texting, charting, and computer screens.
• Patient Advocacy: Standing up for the patient’s rights and safety.
• Mandatory Reporting: You must report abuse, neglect, or theft immediately.
• Informed Consent: The doctor or RN explains the procedure and risks to the patient and gets permission. The CNA cannot obtain informed consent.

Exam Focus:

• Handling confidential info in elevators or cafeterias.
• How to respond to a neighbor asking about a patient.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Many exam questions are designed to trap students who rely on “common sense” rather than legal knowledge. Watch out for these!

⚠️ Pitfall #1: The “Helping Hand” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Believing that performing a task outside your scope is okay if it “helps the patient” or “helps the busy nurse.”
✅ THE REALITY: Performing tasks outside your legal scope (e.g., sterile wound dressing, adjusting IV rate) is a crime (practicing medicine without a license), regardless of good intentions.
💡 QUICK FIX: Memorize the phrase: “Good intentions do not protect my license.”

⚠️ Pitfall #2: The “Doctor’s Orders” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Following instructions given by a doctor or family member because they “outrank” the nurse.
✅ THE REALITY: In the CNA role, you only take orders from the nurse (RN/LPN) supervising you. Doctors do not supervise CNAs.
💡 QUICK FIX: Remember the Chain of Command: CNA -> Nurse. The doctor’s orders go through the nurse.

⚠️ Pitfall #3: The “Diagnosis” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Telling a patient or family “You have a UTI” or “That looks like a bedsore.”
✅ THE REALITY: CNAs collect data (observations); they never diagnose. Diagnosis is a medical act restricted to doctors and NPs.
💡 QUICK FIX: Use only descriptions: “The skin looks red” (observation) vs. “It’s Stage 2” (diagnosis).

⚠️ Pitfall #4: The “Elevator Talk” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Discussing a patient’s condition with a coworker in the elevator, hallway, or cafeteria.
✅ THE REALITY: This is a HIPAA violation. Public spaces are not secure, and others can overhear.
💡 QUICK FIX: The “No Name Rule”: Never use a patient’s name in public areas, and never discuss cases where you can be overheard.

⚠️ Pitfall #5: The “Charting for Others” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Letting another CNA sign your charting or signing for care you didn’t perform.
✅ THE REALITY: This is fraud (falsification of medical records). You sign only for what you did.
💡 QUICK FIX: “If I didn’t see it or do it, I don’t chart it.”

⚠️ Pitfall #6: The “I’m Too Busy” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: Delaying a report to the nurse because “she looks really busy” or “it’s probably nothing.”
✅ THE REALITY: The nurse determines urgency. Delaying a report of a change in condition can lead to patient death.
💡 QUICK FIX: “Report now, apologize later.” Always report changes immediately.

🎯 Remember: The exam tests your ability to follow the rules, not your ability to be a “hero.” Safety and legality always come first.

How This Topic Is Tested: Question Patterns

Recognizing the type of question helps you eliminate wrong answers faster.

📋 Pattern #1: The Scope Check
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A scenario asks which task the CNA can perform independently. It often lists 3 correct tasks and 1 incorrect task (or vice versa).
EXAMPLE STEM: “Which of the following tasks is within the CNA’s scope of practice?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Independent,” “Scope of Practice,” “Assign,” “Delegate,” “Supervision.”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Look for medical tasks (IVs, meds, diagnosis) -> Eliminate immediately.
2. Look for assessment tasks (listening to lung sounds, evaluating pain level) -> Eliminate immediately.
3. Look for hygiene/ADLs/Vitals -> These are usually correct.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Including a task that CNAs sometimes do (like finger sticks) but requires specific certification not mentioned in the stem.

📋 Pattern #2: The Chain of Command Escalation
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A scenario where a patient is unsafe, the CNA reports it to the nurse, but the nurse does nothing or dismisses it.
EXAMPLE STEM: “You report that a patient has chest pain to the nurse. The nurse says, ‘Give him a glass of water and he’ll be fine.’ The patient is sweating. What is your NEXT action?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Nurse does not respond,” “Unresolved,” “Next action,” “Chain of Command.”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Ensure the nurse was informed (Yes, in the stem).
2. Do not argue with the nurse.
3. Move to the next level up (Charge Nurse).
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Calling 911 immediately (usually premature in a facility unless it’s a cardiac arrest) or arguing with the nurse.

📋 Pattern #3: The Documentation/Communication Style
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Asks the student to select the correct charting entry or verbal report.
EXAMPLE STEM: “Which of the following is an example of an objective observation appropriate for the medical record?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Charting,” “Record,” “Objective,” “Subjective,” “Best statement.”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Reject any statement that includes an opinion (“looks like,” “seems,” “appears”).
2. Reject any statement that diagnoses (“patient has depression”).
3. Select the statement that uses numbers and facts (“Patient consumed 50% of breakfast”).
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Using medical jargon incorrectly or mixing up “patient states” (subjective) with “patient is” (objective observation).

📋 Pattern #4: The HIPAA Violation
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Scenario involving visitors, family, or public spaces.
EXAMPLE STEM: “A CNA is at the grocery store and sees a neighbor. The neighbor asks, ‘How is your patient Mrs. Jones doing?’ What is the correct response?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Neighbor,” “Family,” “Public place,” “Grocery store,” “Phone,” “Confidentiality.”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Acknowledge you cannot discuss patients.
2. Do not confirm or deny if the person is a patient.
3. Direct them to the facility or the patient themselves.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Thinking it’s okay to share “good news” (e.g., “She’s doing great!”)—all info is protected.

🎯 Pattern Recognition Tip: If a question asks who to report to, the answer is almost always your immediate supervisor (the Nurse). If the question asks what to do when the nurse ignores you, the answer is the next person up the Chain of Command.

Key Terms You Must Know

Understanding the vocabulary is half the battle. The exam writers use specific legal terms.

Red Flag Answers: What’s Almost Always Wrong

When in doubt, eliminate answers that contain these “Red Flags.”

Myth-Busters: Common Misconceptions

Don’t let bad study habits or workplace rumors cost you points.

❌ Myth #1: “The CNA works for the patient, so I should do whatever the patient asks.”
✅ THE TRUTH: While patient rights are paramount, the CNA works for the facility under the supervision of a nurse. If a patient asks for something unsafe or against the care plan (e.g., “I don’t want to wear my seatbelt”), the CNA cannot comply.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Students choose answers that violate safety rules to “please” the patient.

❌ Myth #2: “If the nurse tells me to do it, it must be legal.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Nurses can make mistakes or delegate illegally. If a nurse delegates a task outside your scope or that you aren’t trained for, you are legally liable if you perform it and harm the patient.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Students fail “Refusing Delegation” questions because they are afraid to say no to the nurse.

❌ Myth #3: “HIPAA only applies to written charts.”
✅ THE TRUTH: HIPAA applies to all Protected Health Information (PHI), including verbal conversations, text messages, and computer screens left open.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Misses questions about gossip in the cafeteria or leaving passwords on sticky notes.

❌ Myth #4: “Reporting a coworker makes you a snitch.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Protecting patients from abuse or neglect is a legal and ethical duty. “Whistleblowing” against negligence is required; “snitching” implies malicious intent.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Students choose not to report abuse in scenarios.

❌ Myth #5: “An incident report is a punishment.”
✅ THE TRUTH: An incident report is a factual record of an event (like a fall). It is a risk management tool, not an admission of guilt or a tool for blame.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Students answer that they should “hide the incident” or “not document it to avoid trouble.”

💡 Bottom Line: On the exam, always choose the answer that prioritizes patient safety, legal compliance, and facility protocol over social niceties or shortcuts.

Apply Your Knowledge: Practice Scenarios

Test your understanding with these mini-scenarios.

Scenario 1: The Family Demand

Situation: You are caring for Mr. Jones. His daughter approaches you and says, “Dad looks dehydrated. The doctor said to increase his fluids, so I want you to add salt to his food and give him an extra glass of water right now.”

Think About:

• Is the daughter allowed to give medical orders?
• Is changing a diet order within your scope?

Key Principle: Scope of Practice & Chain of Command. You cannot take diet orders from family.

Application: You politely say, “I understand your concern. I cannot add salt or change his fluid orders, but I will report your observation to the nurse immediately.”

Scenario 2: The “Helpful” Doctor

Situation: Dr. Smith is rounding and sees you in the hallway. He says, “Hey, go into Room 302 and take out that Foley catheter, the patient is complaining of discomfort.” The nurse is currently in a meeting.

Think About:

• Can a doctor delegate directly to a CNA?
• Is removing a catheter within your standard scope?

Key Principle: Chain of Command.

Application: You respond, “Dr. Smith, I am not able to take physician orders. I will inform the nurse as soon as she is available.” (Do NOT do the task).

Scenario 3: The Elevator Gossip

Situation: You are in the elevator with a coworker. Another worker gets in and asks, “How is that new admission in Room 400 doing? I heard she has MRSA.” Your coworker replies, “Yeah, she’s doing okay, but her family is a nightmare.”

Think About:

• Is this a secure environment?
• Is the coworker violating HIPAA?

Key Principle: HIPAA.

Application: You do not participate in the conversation. Later, you remind your coworker privately that discussing patients in the elevator is a violation. On the exam, you would choose the option that refuses to discuss the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a CNA take verbal orders from a doctor?

A: No, CNAs cannot take “orders” in the medical sense. Doctors give orders to the Nurse. CNAs report to the Nurse. If a doctor gives a CNA an instruction, the CNA must clarify with their nurse.

Q: What exactly counts as “practicing medicine without a license”?

A: This includes diagnosing a condition, prescribing treatments or meds, performing invasive procedures (IVs, injections), or interpreting lab results. Even applying a prescription ointment can be considered practicing medicine if it wasn’t specifically delegated by the nurse.

Q: Who is responsible if the CNA makes a mistake?

A: The CNA is legally responsible for their own actions. The facility may also be liable (vicarious liability), and the Nurse is responsible for delegation/supervision. However, “Following orders” is not a legal defense for doing something illegal or outside your scope.

Q: How do I know if I should report a change to the nurse or just chart it?

A: Report any change from the patient’s baseline (vitals, skin, mood, behavior). Charting is for routine care and the response to the report. When in doubt, report. The nurse decides what is significant, not you.

Q: What is the difference between the Nurse Manager and the Charge Nurse?

A: The Charge Nurse runs the specific shift/unit and is your immediate supervisor on duty. The Nurse Manager or DON runs the department/facility overall and handles administrative issues. You should always report problems to the Charge Nurse first.

Q: Can I share a patient’s room number with a friend who wants to visit?

A: No, this is a HIPAA violation. You cannot confirm a patient is in the facility or give out their room number without their permission. Direct inquiries to the front desk or nurse station.

Recommended Study Approach for Member of a Healthcare Team

This topic requires memorizing rules and understanding hierarchy. Don’t just read—actively recall.

Phase 1: Build Foundation (1.5 Hours)

Focus Areas:

• Scope of Practice definitions.
• Team Roles (RN vs CNA).

Activities:

• Create flashcards for “Can I do this?” (e.g., Insert IV -> No, Feed patient -> Yes).
• Draw the hierarchy triangle (Nurse over CNA).

Phase 2: Deepen Understanding (1.5 Hours)

Focus Areas:

• Chain of Command escalation.
• HIPAA nuances.
• Delegation criteria.

Activities:

• Role-play saying “No” politely to scenarios (e.g., family member asking for meds).
• Practice SBAR reporting. Pick a random object in your room and give a 30-second SBAR report on it to a friend or mirror.

Phase 3: Apply & Test (1 Hour)

Focus Areas:

• Objective vs. Subjective charting.
• Scenario recognition.

Activities:

• Take practice questions specifically on “Legal/Ethical.”
• Watch a medical TV show clip and identify every HIPAA violation you see.

Phase 4: Review & Reinforce (30 Minutes)

Focus Areas:

• Pitfalls and Red Flags.
• Mnemonics.

Activities:

• Review the “Red Flags” list.
• Recite the “Really Caring Nurses Demand Action” chain of command.

✅ You’re Ready When You Can:

• [ ] List the 5 steps of SBAR without looking.
• [ ] Clearly distinguish between an objective observation and a subjective opinion.
• [ ] Explain the Chain of Command escalation path (Name 3 levels).
• [ ] Identify 3 tasks that are strictly outside the CNA scope of practice.
• [ ] Know exactly what to say to a family member who asks for a diagnosis.

🎯 Study Tip: For Scope of Practice, think “Safety and Comfort.” If a task involves sterile technique, diagnosis, or medication administration (unless certified), it is likely not Safety and Comfort, and therefore not your scope.

Skills Test Connection

Your written exam knowledge directly impacts your skills performance. The evaluators are watching for legal adherence just as much as technique.

Wrapping Up: Your Member of a Healthcare Team Action Plan

You now have the blueprint for navigating the complex web of the healthcare facility. Remember, your role as a CNA is vital: you are the frontline of patient care and the eyes and ears of the nursing team. But your power lies in knowing your boundaries.

By mastering your Scope of Practice, respecting the Chain of Command, and communicating clearly with SBAR, you protect your patients and your future career. Don’t let “helpfulness” trick you into illegal actions—stick to the rules, trust your training, and report everything.

Your next step? Practice those “Yes/No” scope questions until they are second nature. You’ve got this!

🌟 Final Thought: “Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and doing it.” But in healthcare, it’s also knowing what not to do. Know your limits.

More Practice Tests

CNA Practice Test
Basic Nursing Skills
Basic Restorative Skills
Personal Care Skills
Activities of Daily Living

Infection Control
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Communication Skills
Member of a Healthcare Team (you are here)
Emotional & Mental Health Needs

Priorities and Priority Setting
Data Collection and Reporting
Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
End of Life Care
Patient Rights