Why is it important for a nursing assistant to remain calm when a resident behaves inappropriately?

Social Studies · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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It is important for a nursing assistant to remain calm when a resident behaves inappropriately for several reasons:

1. Professionalism: Nursing assistants are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Staying calm in challenging situations is part of providing competent and professional care.

2. De-escalation: A calm response can help de-escalate a situation. If the nursing assistant reacts with frustration or anger, it may worsen the resident's behavior and lead to a more intense confrontation or agitation.

3. Safety: Keeping a calm demeanor helps ensure the safety of both the resident and the nursing assistant. An appropriate and composed reaction can prevent the situation from becoming physically harmful.

4. Model Behavior: By staying calm, nursing assistants set an example for how to handle stress and conflict, which may influence the resident and other staff to behave similarly in difficult situations.

5. Resident Dignity: Residents in care facilities may have conditions that affect their behavior, such as dementia or mental health issues. Responding calmly respects their dignity and recognizes that the inappropriate behavior may be part of their condition.

6. Problem-Solving: A calm approach allows the nursing assistant to think more clearly about the best way to address the resident's needs and the underlying causes of the inappropriate behavior.

7. Emotional Regulation: Nursing assistants who can control their own emotions are better able to provide emotional support to residents. They can be a source of comfort and reassurance rather than contributing to the resident's distress.

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