Staff Development Topics for Nursing Assistants

In order to become a nursing assistant, you must first complete, at the very least, 75 hours of educational training followed by an examination for licensure. Certain areas within the work environment should be focused on when working on staff development.

One of the most important parts of the healthcare industry is proper communication. The nursing assistant is only one part of a healthcare team, so it is vital that there is open communication in order for patients to receive the type of care they need. Although verbal communication is welcomed, when discussing this topic, it is vital that written communication is at the top of the list. This is important simply because with the many situations that occur on any given day, the notes on the patients’ charts should display what was done to a patient and what needs to be done to the patient.

Communicating with the patient and their family is also of utmost importance when speaking in terms of staff development topics. Nursing assistants must know how to effectively communicate a condition, treatment options and additional relative information to a patient and his or her family.

Other staff development topics include areas such as customer service and collaboration between the departments. Ethics should also be discussed for best staff development practices as should continuing education. Technology must be fully understood in order for the staff to be at the highest level of quality. If nursing assistants are not educated on how to use modern equipment, this will lessen the level of quality that each patient receives.