Indirect care is one of the most important things we do as healthcare professionals.
Never thought much about indirect care? Unfortunately, all too often this is an afterthought along the treatment continuum but it is an extremely critical element of caregiving. One when mastered, will serve you well throughout your healthcare career.
CNAs provide hands-on healthcare both personal and intimate in nature. Our mission is to provide care for our patients and in so doing, we become allies for them and their families. We share a connection and a will to provide comfort and support.
No, this doesn’t suggest an unprofessional or inappropriate relationship or connection with our patients. That is never acceptable. I refer instead to a human connection. One that embodies respect, compassion and kindness.
So remember in every encounter, at every visit with your patient, that it’s not only a job, it is a human connection.
Is Indirect Care on the CNA Exam? Yes, you will be tested for this skill.
Indirect Care Guidelines (graded on exam)
Indirect care is evaluated during the performance of every skill (except handwashing) during the Clinicals Skills test. The Indirect Care checkpoints that the evaluator will observe for while candidates perform skills are:
- Greet patient address by name, and introduce yourself.
- Provide explanations to patient about care before and during care.
- Ask patient about preferences during care.
- Use standard precautions and infection control measures when providing care.
- Ask patient about comfort or needs during or before care completed.
- Promote patient’s rights and safety.
This skill evaluates:
infection control, safety, communication, and patient’s preferences, needs, comfort and rights.
Need a little help? Here is a resource you can use for practice while you develop your skills:
