Maintaining dignity

Definitions & Key takeaways

Dignity means being and feeling worthy of respect, and it's a basic right of all human beings. Healthcare providers have the responsibility to maintain patients' dignity. Health care providers have to ask patients how they would like to be addressed and always address them in the way that they prefer. It's also important to show compassion, empathy, and let them know you care. In addition, be patient, listen to your patients, and answer their questions.

It is also important to help patients meet their basic needs, such as getting food and water, resting and sleeping, and doing some physical activity if possible. When necessary, patients should be assisted with toileting, personal hygiene, and getting dressed.

Note that some tasks can involve exposing patients' body parts, so keep your patient involved and always ask for permission. In addition, make sure you protect the patients' privacy and only expose the necessary body parts.

Chapters:

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Introduction0:00–0:27

Dignity means being and feeling worthy of respect, and it’s a basic right of all human beings, regardless of their race, culture, disabilities, or socioeconomic situation.
As a nursing assistant, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help clients maintain their dignity. First off, remember that clients are people with identities, so avoid calling them by their room numbers.

Identity0:27–0:53

Instead, ask them how they would like to be addressed. Some people prefer the use of Mr.
or Mrs. but not everyone so, always address them in the way that they prefer.
Don’t call them by their first name or nickname unless they ask you to. Finally, you should keep it professional and never call a client “honey” or similar names.

Compassion and Empathy0:53–1:24

Next, be sure to show compassion and empathy. Be sure to let your clients know you care.
You can do so using your body language, like with a gentle tap on the shoulder, as well as by keeping eye contact, smiling, and nodding your head while they’re speaking to you.
In addition, be patient and take the necessary time to listen to your clients and answer their questions. Finally, try to help them with small tasks, like getting a glass of water or their glasses, and ask if they need anything else.

Basic Needs1:24–2:11

Remember to help clients meet their basic needs while supporting their independence. Firstly, make sure clients are getting enough food and water and assist them with their meals if necessary.
Some individuals may need additional assistance, such as intravenous infusion of fluids and nutrients. Next, make sure that your clients get enough quality rest and sleep by providing a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment.
Also, encourage your clients to stay active and do some physical activity, like walking, if possible. If a client can’t move, you can help them by providing passive range of motion.
Finally, assist clients with toileting and elimination as well as personal hygiene, grooming, and getting dressed. Now, keep in mind that some of these tasks can involve exposing body parts, like helping them with toileting or getting dressed.

Privacy2:11–3:04

Remember that clients are people with feelings and can often feel embarrassed, confused, or scared. Try to keep your client informed and involved in everything that’s being done and always ask for permission before touching or exposing any body parts.
Also, make sure you protect the client’s privacy while doing so; this can be done by looking away or providing a towel. You should only expose the necessary body parts and try to keep the rest covered.
You must also protect your client’s privacy while they’re speaking with someone else, such as their doctor or a relative, by giving them space and closing the door.
Finally, make sure you never discuss a client’s private information with others unless they give you permission to do so.

Recap3:04–4:11

Alright, as a quick recap… Dignity means being and feeling worthy of respect, and it’s a basic right of all human beings.
As a nursing assistant, you should help clients maintain their dignity. First off, ask the client how they would like to be addressed and always address them in the way that they prefer.
Show compassion, empathy, and let your clients know you care. In addition, be patient, listen to your clients, and answer their questions.
Be sure to help clients meet their basic needs, like getting food and water, resting and sleeping, and doing some physical activity if possible.
Assist clients with toileting, elimination of body waste, personal hygiene, and getting dressed. Some tasks can involve exposing body parts, so keep your client involved and always ask for permission.
In addition, make sure you protect the client’s privacy and only expose the necessary body parts. Finally, protect your client’s privacy while they’re speaking with someone else and never discuss their private information with others.