Are nursing assistants allowed to give medication or change sterile dressings?

In the context of nursing assistants' roles and responsibilities, they are not permitted to administer medications or change sterile dressings. This restriction is in place because such tasks typically require a level of training and clinical judgment that nursing assistants do not possess. The administration of medication involves understanding dosage calculations, potential side effects, and observing patient reactions, which falls under the scope of nursing care.

Changing sterile dressings also requires knowledge of infection control practices and wound care principles, which are taught in nursing programs but are not part of the standard training for nursing assistants. Nurses, who have more extensive education and clinical training, are the professionals who are qualified to perform these tasks, ensuring patient safety and adherence to medical protocols.

Therefore, recognizing that only licensed nurses are responsible for these actions affirms the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between the roles of different healthcare providers to protect patient health and safety.