What to Do If a Patient Falls as a Nursing Assistant

Understanding Patient Falls: A Nursing Assistant's Lifeline

When working in healthcare, the unexpected happens—sometimes in the form of a patient falling. It’s a reality you might face as a nursing assistant, and it’s important to know exactly what actions to take in these critical moments. You might be wondering, “What’s the best course of action if I find a patient on the floor?” Here’s the deal: your immediate response can make a world of difference in a patient’s recovery and overall outcomes.

Step 1: Assess for Injuries

You know what? The first thing you should do is assess the patient for injuries. This means checking to see if they are conscious, able to communicate, and whether there are any visible injuries such as bruises, cuts, or deformities. Remember, even if a patient seems fine on the surface, internal injuries can be lurking beneath. So, take a breath, observe, and listen. Talk to the patient if they’re alert. Are they feeling any pain?

Step 2: Notify the Nurse

Here’s the thing: once you’ve completed your initial assessment, it’s crucial to notify the nurse immediately. Medical professionals train for these scenarios, and they’ll appreciate your promptness. Think of them as your partners in care—it’s a team effort! Make sure you provide all the details about what happened: where the fall occurred, any witnesses, and the condition of the patient. This information allows the nurse to evaluate and decide on the necessary treatments or interventions appropriately.

Step 3: Why You Shouldn’t Attempt to Help the Patient Up

Now, it might seem instinctual to rush towards the patient and help them up as quickly as possible. However, jumping into action without careful evaluation can sometimes exacerbate injuries. You don’t want to make things worse. Instead, keep the patient as comfortable as possible until professional help arrives. If they’re in a safe position, keep them calm and encourage them to remain still until assistance is provided.

A Gentle Reminder: Don’t Leave the Patient Undetected

Leaving the patient on the floor is absolutely not an option. Besides the immediate risk of injury, the emotional distress it can cause both to the patient and yourself is significant. Patients can feel vulnerable, scared, or even embarrassed after a fall. Being present for them, reassuring them that help is on the way, can make a big impact on their mental state.

What About Calling for Help?

While calling for help might come to mind as a quick alternative, it’s important to remember that unless you quickly assess their condition first, you might miss vital signs or symptoms. Furthermore, an unnecessary delay can hinder timely medical intervention, which is what every patient deserves.

Wrapping it Up: Be the Hero

In your role as a nursing assistant, you’re on the frontline of patient care. When a patient falls, assessing for injuries and communicating with the nurse isn’t just a protocol—it’s a lifesaving skill. Your careful attention ensures that patients receive the right care at the right time, safeguarding their wellbeing and nurturing a collaborative healthcare environment.

As you embark on your nursing journey, remember that every single action you take can be life-altering. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where a patient falls, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to step up.