In addition to the change of shift report, what activity may the nurse assistant do?

Making walking rounds with the oncoming nurse assistant is an essential activity that promotes continuity of care and enhances communication between shifts. This practice allows both the outgoing and incoming staff members to discuss important information about each patient, ensuring that nothing is overlooked during the transition. It provides an opportunity to assess the patient’s condition firsthand, check on their immediate needs, and identify any changes in their status that may not have been fully communicated during the change of shift report.

In this way, walking rounds not only reinforce the information shared in the report but also allow for real-time observations and questions, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient safety and care quality. This hands-on approach can significantly improve the patient’s experience and outcomes by ensuring that all care team members are well-informed.

Other activities, such as making phone calls to families or creating patient charts, might happen at different times but are not typically prioritized during the change of shift. Additionally, sitting in the break room does not actively contribute to patient care or the transition process, which is crucial during shift changes. Thus, engaging in walking rounds is the most beneficial and appropriate activity for the nurse assistant at this time.