What should a charge nurse do when an assistant consistently fails to provide oral care for clients?

When an assistant consistently fails to provide oral care for clients, discussing the unacceptable behavior with the assistant while reinforcing expectations is the most appropriate course of action. This approach allows for direct communication about the specific issue of neglecting oral care, which is essential for maintaining patient hygiene and comfort. By addressing the problem directly, the charge nurse can clarify the importance of oral care, outline the expected standards of care, and provide the assistant with an opportunity to improve their performance.

This method fosters a constructive dialogue where the assistant can express any challenges they may be facing, such as a lack of understanding or inadequate training related to oral care. It also reinforces the importance of teamwork and accountability within the healthcare setting, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

In contrast, ignoring the behavior would likely perpetuate the issue without finding a resolution, while reporting the assistant to management immediately could undermine team dynamics and does not offer the assistant a chance to correct their behavior. Additionally, although showing the assistant how to perform oral care properly could be beneficial, it doesn’t address the repeated failure to provide care and may not lead to a change in behavior. Therefore, the best approach is to have a direct conversation that emphasizes accountability and support for improvement.