What type of communication is a nurse assistant NOT qualified to handle over the phone?

A nurse assistant is not qualified to handle doctors' orders over the phone due to several critical factors involving medical responsibility and the scope of practice. Doctors' orders can encompass specific instructions related to medication prescriptions, changes in treatment plans, or other clinical directives that require professional and immediate interpretation. Only licensed healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or physicians, possess the legal authority and training to receive and implement these orders accurately to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.

In contrast, family inquiries, health updates, and routine inquiries generally involve basic communication that is within the nurse assistant's scope of practice. These types of communication typically involve relaying general information or answering questions that do not require clinical judgment or expertise. Therefore, nurse assistants can effectively manage these interactions, providing support and updates to families and patients while ensuring that more complex and critical information remains with the appropriate licensed healthcare providers.