The Importance of Honesty as a Certified Nursing Assistant

As a certified nursing assistant, you are required to adhere to numerous laws and regulations. However important, perhaps the most valuable trait for any CNA to possess is honesty. When dealing with sensitive subject matters and working alongside advanced-level medical equipment, you must strive to gain the trust of all you work with, including the patient. The most effective way to do so, outside of performing at the best of your ability, is to work with pure honesty throughout all situations.

Avoid Lawsuits

While no certified nursing assistant ever wants to consider the possibility of being sued, if you operate under dishonest behavior, it’s only a matter of time before your dishonesty leads to a failure of regulations. For example, there is a shift change and in a rush you forgot to remove a vial of the narcotics from your tray or counter top. Suddenly, the unattended drugs are swooped up by a patient and incorrectly consumed, causing severe illness or death. At this point, you could either deny your involvement or be honest and suffer the consequences. While honesty may lead to disciplinary action from your employer, it’s less likely to be sued for wrongful death or medical malpractice if you instantly come clean about your absent mindedness.

Establish Trust Among Co-Workers

Dishonesty is the biggest way to eliminate all trust given to you from nursing and physician staff. In the world of a certified nursing assistant, you must gain the trust of superiors in order to fully delve into procedures and patient care. Earning a reputation as a dishonest employee may not only eliminate any possibility of independent work, but in severe cases, it may result in employment termination. Unfortunately, medical workplaces, like any other, are ruled by politics. If you desire to go far with your newly-budding career, focus on being as transparent and honest as possible.

Gain True Knowledge

Let’s pretend you’re dealing with a patient who’s suffering from a myriad of symptoms. In an attempt to progress your education, the registered nurse asks if you understand what’s happening in terms of treatment and diagnosis. A dishonest CNA who wishes to be considered smarter than he actually is will say, “Yes, I understand,” even if he doesn’t. This eliminates the possibility of truly learning from more experienced nurses. An honest CNA reply, “No, could you explain?” The only way to progress in this career path is to acknowledge weaknesses in your knowledge base. This honesty is always rewarded with factual information to progress your knowledge and career.