Chapter 1
The Art of Caregiving
GOALS
After reading this chapter, you will have the information needed to:
- Discuss why caregiving is an art.
- Identify three health care settings where you may work.
- Describe two types of specialized hospitals.
- Describe three things that a nurse assistant may do in a hospital setting.
- Describe the type of resident that may be in a nursing home.
- Describe three things that a home health aide may do when providing care.
- Describe ways in which nurse assistants are similar in all the health care settings.
Key Terms
Skillful care delivered with kindness and compassion is an art that treats each person as an individual.
Caregiving is like quilt making: fitting many tasks into a day, attending to details, and using personal strength with patience and devotion to help people feel comfortable, important, and respected.
Working in the Health Care System
Nurse assistants work with many professionals—nurses, physical therapists, dietitians—across settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health care. Health care services range from wellness and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and comfort care.
Working in a Hospital
Hospitals provide care for major illnesses, sudden sickness or injury, surgery, and diagnostic testing. People staying overnight receive inpatient care; those seen in clinics or same‑day surgery receive outpatient care.
Types of Hospitals
| Type of Hospital | Service and Care Provided for… |
|---|---|
| Obstetric | Pregnant women, newborn babies; diseases of the reproductive system. |
| Orthopedic | People with broken bones; diseases of bones or joints. |
| Pediatric | Children with illnesses or injuries. |
| Psychiatric | People with mental or emotional problems. |
Departments in a General Hospital
| Department | Service and Care Provided for… |
|---|---|
| Medical | Patients who need medical care |
| Surgical | Patients who need surgery |
| Cardiology | Patients with heart diseases |
| Clinic | Patients who need care without overnight stay |
| Emergency | People with emergency medical needs |
| Intensive Care Unit | Patients with life‑threatening conditions |
| Nursery | Newborn babies |
| Obstetric | Pregnant women and newborn babies |
| Oncology | Patients with cancer |
| Operating Room | Patients undergoing surgery |
| Orthopedic | Patients with bone and joint problems |
| Pediatric | Children up to 18 years |
| Psychiatric / Mental Health | Patients with mental or emotional problems |
Working in Long‑Term Care
A nursing home (nursing facility) provides long‑term care to people needing regular or continuous skilled care. Short‑term residents (3–6 months) often arrive from hospitals for subacute or rehabilitative care; long‑term residents stay 6 months or more.
- Assisted‑living community
- Care center; Convalescent center
- Geriatric center; Group home
- Health (care) center
- Long‑term care center
- Nursing center; Nursing facility
- Nursing & rehabilitative treatment center
- Rehabilitation center
- Residential care facility
- Skilled care center
Working in Home Health Care
Home health care agencies provide services that help clients safely receive individualized care at home, promoting recovery and independence. Payment may be via Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay; agencies follow federal and state standards (OBRA).
The Role of a Personal Care Assistant
- Housekeeping (beds, laundry, dishes) and meal preparation
- Providing meals and supervised activities in non‑residential facilities
- Advising on nutrition, cleanliness, and household utilities
Using Community Resources
Community services offer education, support groups, transportation, meal delivery, childcare, and specialized programs such as AIDS services and hospice.