Patient Abuse by Nursing Assistants

Patient Abuse by Nursing AssistantsWe have all heard horror stories of patient abuseby Nursing Assistants. This takes shape in manyforms including sexual abuse, physical abuse,emotional abuse, and theft. Most medicalfacilities Nationwide are taking precautionsagainst such abuse occurring, includingcompleting background checks. In some states, youcan 抰 work as a Nursing Assistant if you have anycharges relating to domestic violence,harassment, or drunk driving because it is

possible such behaviors can escalate in the workenvironment.Many organizations complain that NursingAssistants aren 抰 properly looked into becausethe demand is so great in the industry. As a result,some employers are lowering the background checkexpectations. However, many states are holdingthe employer responsible when such abuse occurs,so this will likely help to curb that process.Sexual abuse charges by Nursing Assistants aretaken very seriously. Such sexual abuse reportsinclude allegations of inappropriate touchingand sexual intercourse. It is most commonly foundto take place with male Nursing Assistants withthose they are responsible for bathing. It is theresponsibility of Nurses to routinely make asurprise visit into the area where a NursingAssistant is alone with a patient. This will helpconvey the message that their endeavors may beinterrupted and caught.

Physical abuse by Nursing Assistants is oftenhard to prove unless it has been witnessed orbruises appear. Often this type of abuse isconducted by Nursing Assistants who are notsatisfied with their job. They are easily upset,frustrated, and overwhelmed. Some abuse theirpatients as a method of teaching them that theythink some of their behaviors are inappropriate.For example, some patients have reported beinghit for soiling their clothes and bedding. Thisoften goes unreported in elderly populations asthey become very afraid.Verbal abuse is one of the most common types ofabuse by Nursing Assistants. It can be simpleteasing, belittling, or threats. Often this typeof behavior stems out of control issues and thedesire to have a more important job.Theft is the number one reported type of abuse byNursing Assistants. In can include cash, food,

jewelry, and even dietary supplements. In medicalfacilities, such theft can be hard to prove whodid it because the patient comes into contact withso many individuals who work in the facility.While most Nursing Assistants do their job withas much energy and work ethic as humanly possible,there are those who give the entire profession abad name. It is sad when you think about it ?whenis the last time a Nursing Assistant who did a goodjob made National headlines? Yet let one fall outof line, and you will hear it on the TV, radio,and the internet continuously.The Nursing Assistant profession can be verydifficult. It takes a very particular type ofindividual to be able to meet the requirements.Employers have a responsibility to protect allthe patients. This requires money and time to bespent on extensive background checks and training.It also requires workshops and ongoing trainingfor all staff members. Everyone should know signs

of abuse to be watching for and how to report them.Abuse by Nursing Assistants will be prosecuted bylaw. Anyone going into the profession needs to bemade very aware of that.PPPPPWord Count 556