If you suspect that another CNA on your unit may have pushed a patient, what should you do?

The correct approach in this situation is to immediately report your suspicion to the nurse. This action is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures the safety and well-being of the patient involved. If there is any possibility that a patient has been harmed, it is critical to involve someone who can take appropriate action, such as a nurse or a physician, who has the authority and training to further assess the situation and take necessary steps.

Reporting to the nurse also follows the protocols of ethical responsibility and accountability within healthcare. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you have a professional obligation to advocate for your patients and protect them from potential harm. Failure to report suspicions could allow unsafe practices to continue, putting the patient at further risk.

Moreover, by reporting the behavior rather than addressing it directly with the other CNA or involving the family prematurely, you are minimizing the risk of escalating the situation or creating a conflict that could potentially hinder a proper investigation. It is also not within the CNA's role to instruct a colleague to leave or to involve the patient's family without going through appropriate channels.

This choice aligns with the legal and ethical standards expected in a healthcare environment, emphasizing the importance of reporting to ensure that all patients receive safe and compassionate care.