What must nursing assistants always identify themselves as?

Nursing assistants must always identify themselves as nursing assistants because this title accurately reflects their training, role, and responsibilities within the healthcare team. Using the correct terminology helps to establish their professional identity and ensures that patients, their families, and other healthcare workers understand their scope of practice. By accurately identifying themselves, nursing assistants can foster trust and clear communication with patients, emphasizing their qualifications to provide personal care and support.

In a healthcare setting, it’s important for each member of the team to communicate their role clearly. This not only helps in building rapport with patients but also ensures that patients know who to approach for specific needs and questions. The title "nursing assistant" specifically implies their training and the level of care they are equipped to provide, which distinguishes them from other roles, such as caregivers or medical assistants, who may have different qualifications and responsibilities.