Professional Medical Workplace Dialogues for CNAs
Dialogue 1: Morning Shift Handoff with Another CNA
Setting: Nursing station at 7:00 AM during shift change
Maria (Night Shift CNA): Good morning, James! How are you doing today?
James (Day Shift CNA): Morning, Maria! I’m good, thanks. Ready for the handoff?
Maria: Yes, let me give you the report. We had a pretty busy night. Mrs. Johnson in Room 312 had trouble sleeping. She was restless and called for help three times.
James: Oh, I see. Did she need pain medication?
Maria: No, she just needed to be repositioned. Her back was bothering her. I turned her every two hours like we’re supposed to, but she’s still uncomfortable.
James: Okay, I’ll keep an eye on her. Should I mention it to the nurse?
Maria: Yes, definitely. The nurse should know about it. Also, Mr. Peterson in 315 refused his breakfast this morning. He said he wasn’t feeling hungry.
James: That’s unusual for him. Did you document it in his chart?
Maria: Yes, I did. I wrote down the time and what happened. You might want to encourage him to eat something later.
James: Got it. I’ll try to offer him a snack mid-morning. Anything else I should know?
Maria: Mrs. Lee in 318 needs her vitals checked first thing. She had a slightly elevated temperature last night—99.8 degrees.
James: Did the nurse come to assess her?
Maria: Yes, Nurse Sarah checked on her around 3 AM. She said to monitor it closely and report any increase.
James: Alright, I’ll take her temperature as soon as I start my rounds. Thanks for the detailed report, Maria.
Maria: No problem! Have a good shift. I’m heading home to get some sleep.
James: Drive safely! See you tomorrow.
Dialogue 2: Requesting Help from a Colleague
Setting: Patient room where a CNA needs assistance with transfer
David (CNA): Hey, Lisa! Are you free for a minute? I need some help in here.
Lisa (CNA): Sure, what do you need?
David: Mr. Garcia needs to be transferred from the bed to the wheelchair, and he requires a two-person assist. Can you help me?
Lisa: Of course! Let me just wash my hands first. Is he ready to go?
David: Yes, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed. I’ve already explained what we’re going to do.
Lisa: Perfect. Did you lock the wheelchair brakes?
David: Yes, I did. The wheelchair is positioned at a 45-degree angle, just like we learned in training.
Lisa: Great! Mr. Garcia, we’re going to help you stand up and pivot to the wheelchair, okay? On the count of three.
Mr. Garcia: Okay, I’m ready.
David: One, two, three—up we go. Good job, Mr. Garcia! Now let’s turn slowly. That’s it.
Lisa: You’re doing great. Just a little more. Perfect! Now sit down gently.
David: Excellent teamwork! Mr. Garcia, are you comfortable?
Mr. Garcia: Yes, thank you both.
Lisa: You’re welcome! David, do you need help with anything else?
David: No, I think I’m good now. I really appreciate your help. I’ll return the favor anytime you need it.
Lisa: No worries! That’s what teammates are for. Just let me know when you need me again.
Dialogue 3: Reporting to a Nurse
Setting: Nurses’ station, mid-morning
Karen (CNA): Excuse me, Nurse Rodriguez, do you have a moment?
Nurse Rodriguez: Yes, Karen. What’s going on?
Karen: I just finished helping Mrs. Patterson in Room 405 with her morning care, and I noticed something concerning.
Nurse Rodriguez: What did you notice?
Karen: She has a reddish area on her lower back, near her tailbone. It looks like it might be the beginning of a pressure sore.
Nurse Rodriguez: Good catch. How large is the area?
Karen: It’s about the size of a quarter, and the skin isn’t broken yet, but it’s definitely red and doesn’t blanch when I press on it.
Nurse Rodriguez: Okay, that sounds like a Stage 1 pressure injury. Did you document it?
Karen: Not yet. I wanted to report it to you first, but I’ll write it up in her chart right away.
Nurse Rodriguez: Please do. I’ll come assess it myself in a few minutes. In the meantime, make sure she’s repositioned every two hours. Let’s use the turning schedule strictly.
Karen: Absolutely. Should I apply any barrier cream to the area?
Nurse Rodriguez: Yes, use the zinc oxide cream from the supply room. And make sure her sheets are smooth with no wrinkles—those can make pressure sores worse.
Karen: I already changed her bedding and made sure everything was smooth. I’ll get the cream right now.
Nurse Rodriguez: Excellent work, Karen. Early detection is so important. Thank you for being vigilant.
Karen: You’re welcome. I’ll let you know if I notice any changes.
Dialogue 4: Coordinating Care with a Nurse
Setting: Hallway outside patient rooms
Nurse Mike: Hey, Tom! I need to coordinate with you about Mr. Wilson in 220.
Tom (CNA): Sure, what’s up?
Nurse Mike: He’s scheduled for a procedure this afternoon at 2 PM. He needs to be NPO starting at 10 AM—that means nothing by mouth.
Tom: Got it. No food or drinks after 10. Should I remove his water pitcher?
Nurse Mike: Yes, please do. And put a sign on his door so other staff members know too. We don’t want anyone giving him anything accidentally.
Tom: I’ll take care of that right away. Does he need any special preparation?
Nurse Mike: Yes. He needs to change into a hospital gown, and make sure he uses the bathroom before transport comes. Also, remove any jewelry he’s wearing.
Tom: Okay. What time should I have him ready?
Nurse Mike: Transport should arrive around 1:45 PM, so if you could help him get ready by 1:30, that would be perfect.
Tom: No problem. Should I take his vital signs before he goes?
Nurse Mike: Yes, please. I need a full set of vitals—blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respirations—documented in his chart by 1:30.
Tom: I’ll make sure to do that. Anything else?
Nurse Mike: That’s everything. Just make sure he doesn’t get anxious. He’s a little nervous about the procedure.
Tom: I’ll stay with him and reassure him. I’ll let you know when he’s ready.
Nurse Mike: Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your help.
Dialogue 5: Communication with a Doctor During Rounds
Setting: Patient room during morning rounds
Dr. Patel: Good morning! I’m here to see Mrs. Thompson.
Sandra (CNA): Good morning, Dr. Patel. I’m Sandra, Mrs. Thompson’s CNA today. She’s just finished breakfast.
Dr. Patel: How did she do with eating?
Sandra: She ate about 75% of her meal, which is an improvement from yesterday. She only ate about half then.
Dr. Patel: That’s good to hear. How has her mobility been?
Sandra: She’s been walking to the bathroom with assistance. She uses her walker and needs standby supervision, but she’s steady on her feet.
Dr. Patel: Excellent. Any complaints of pain or discomfort?
Sandra: She mentioned some soreness in her right hip this morning, around a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. It was better after she took her morning pain medication.
Dr. Patel: What time did she receive the medication?
Sandra: Let me check… it was 8:00 AM. Nurse Jennifer administered it.
Dr. Patel: Perfect. Mrs. Thompson, how are you feeling now?
Mrs. Thompson: Much better, doctor. The pain has gone down.
Dr. Patel: I’m glad to hear that. Sandra, please continue to monitor her pain levels and report any increase to the nursing staff.
Sandra: I will, Dr. Patel. I’ve been checking on her every hour.
Dr. Patel: Great work. Keep up the good care. Thank you, Sandra.
Sandra: You’re welcome, doctor.
Dialogue 6: Discussing Patient Care with the Charge Nurse
Setting: Break room during a quiet moment
Robert (CNA): Hi, Charge Nurse Kim. Do you have a few minutes to talk about Mr. Anderson’s care plan?
Charge Nurse Kim: Sure, Robert. What’s on your mind?
Robert: I’ve noticed that he’s been more confused lately, especially in the evenings. He keeps trying to get out of bed without calling for help.
Charge Nurse Kim: That’s concerning. Has he fallen at all?
Robert: No, thankfully. We’ve been responding quickly when the bed alarm goes off, but I’m worried it’s only a matter of time.
Charge Nurse Kim: You’re right to be concerned. This sounds like sundowning—confusion that gets worse in the late afternoon and evening. How is he during the day?
Robert: He’s much more alert and oriented in the morning. He recognizes family members and can tell you where he is. But after dinner, he becomes disoriented.
Charge Nurse Kim: We should update his care plan. I’ll talk to the doctor about getting him evaluated. In the meantime, can you try to keep his room well-lit in the evening and minimize stimulation?
Robert: Yes, I can do that. Should we increase monitoring during those hours?
Charge Nurse Kim: Absolutely. Check on him every 15 minutes between 6 PM and 10 PM. Document his behavior each time. This will help us identify patterns.
Robert: I’ll make sure the evening shift knows about this too when I hand off.
Charge Nurse Kim: Perfect. Also, try to establish a calming bedtime routine—maybe some quiet music or a warm drink if he’s allowed.
Robert: That’s a great idea. I’ll implement that starting tonight. Thanks for your guidance.
Charge Nurse Kim: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Good CNAs like you make a real difference.
Dialogue 7: Collaborating During an Emergency
Setting: Patient room during a medical emergency
Nurse Lisa: Code Blue, Room 412! I need help now!
Marcus (CNA): running into room I’m here! What do you need?
Nurse Lisa: Mr. Davis is unresponsive. Call the code team immediately and bring the crash cart!
Marcus: On it! picks up phone Code Blue, Room 412. Code Blue, Room 412. runs to get crash cart
Nurse Lisa: to another nurse Start compressions!
Marcus: returns with crash cart Here’s the cart! What else can I do?
Nurse Lisa: Clear the room of any furniture and move Mrs. Davis’s roommate to the hallway. Keep family members out until we stabilize him.
Marcus: moving furniture Understood. to roommate Ma’am, we need to move you out for a few minutes. Let me help you.
Dr. Chen: arriving What’s the situation?
Nurse Lisa: 68-year-old male, found unresponsive. CPR in progress for 90 seconds.
Marcus: Doctor, I’ll take his roommate and stay with her in the hallway. Should I call his family?
Nurse Lisa: Yes, Marcus. His wife’s number is in the chart. Be gentle when you tell her—just say there’s been a change in his condition and ask her to come right away.
Marcus: I’ll do that now. to roommate Come with me, please. Everything will be okay.
15 minutes later
Nurse Lisa: exiting room Marcus, we’ve stabilized him. He’s being transferred to ICU. Good work getting everything we needed so quickly.
Marcus: I’m glad he’s stable. His wife just arrived—she’s in the family waiting room.
Nurse Lisa: I’ll go talk to her now. Can you clean up the room and restock the crash cart?
Marcus: Yes, I’ll take care of it right away.
Dialogue 8: Asking for Clarification from a Supervisor
Setting: Nursing supervisor’s office
Angela (CNA): Excuse me, Supervisor Martinez. Do you have a moment? I need some clarification about a policy.
Supervisor Martinez: Of course, Angela. Come in. What’s the question?
Angela: I’m a bit confused about the new documentation procedures for output measurement. I want to make sure I’m doing it correctly.
Supervisor Martinez: Good question. What specifically are you unsure about?
Angela: When a patient uses the bedside commode, do I need to measure the urine immediately, or can I wait until I’ve helped them back to bed?
Supervisor Martinez: Patient safety comes first, so help them back to bed first. Make sure they’re comfortable and safe. Then you can measure and document the output.
Angela: That makes sense. And should I record it in the paper flow sheet or the computer system?
Supervisor Martinez: We’re in the transition period right now, so you need to do both. Record it on the paper intake/output sheet at the bedside, and then enter it into the computer system before the end of your shift.
Angela: Okay, I understand. One more thing—what if the amount is difficult to measure exactly? Should I estimate?
Supervisor Martinez: Try to be as accurate as possible using the measurement lines on the collection container. If you absolutely must estimate, note it in the comments section that it’s an approximation.
Angela: That’s really helpful. I want to make sure my documentation is accurate.
Supervisor Martinez: I appreciate that you’re asking these questions. It shows you care about doing quality work. If you’re ever unsure about anything, my door is always open.
Angela: Thank you so much. I feel much more confident now.
Dialogue 9: Handling a Difficult Situation with a Colleague
Setting: Supply room, away from patients
Jessica (CNA): Hey, Brandon, can we talk privately for a minute?
Brandon (CNA): Sure, what’s going on?
Jessica: I’ve noticed something over the past few days, and I wanted to address it with you directly before it becomes a bigger issue.
Brandon: Okay… what is it?
Jessica: A couple of times this week, I’ve had to go back and finish care tasks in rooms that you were assigned to. This morning, Mrs. Liu hadn’t been repositioned, and yesterday Mr. Foster’s call light was left on for 20 minutes.
Brandon: defensively I’ve been really busy. We’ve been short-staffed.
Jessica: I know we’re all busy, and I’m not trying to criticize you personally. We’re all dealing with the same workload. But when tasks aren’t completed, it affects patient care and puts more pressure on the rest of the team.
Brandon: sighing You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ve been stressed out and I’ve been cutting corners. That’s not fair to you or the patients.
Jessica: I appreciate you acknowledging that. Is there something going on? Do you need help managing your assignment?
Brandon: Honestly, I’m still getting used to the new charting system, and it’s taking me longer than it should. I end up rushing through tasks to catch up.
Jessica: Why don’t we work together during lunch? I can show you some shortcuts in the system that might help you save time. Would that help?
Brandon: That would be great, actually. I’ve been too embarrassed to ask.
Jessica: There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all need help sometimes. The important thing is that we support each other and maintain quality care.
Brandon: Thanks for bringing this up respectfully. I really do want to improve.
Jessica: I know you do. Let’s grab lunch together, and we’ll figure it out.
Dialogue 10: Receiving Feedback from a Manager
Setting: Manager’s office during scheduled performance review
Manager Stevens: Hi, Rachel. Thanks for coming in. Please, have a seat.
Rachel (CNA): Thank you. I’m a little nervous about this review!
Manager Stevens: Don’t be. This is actually a very positive meeting. I wanted to discuss your performance over the past three months.
Rachel: Okay, I’m ready.
Manager Stevens: First, I want to commend you on your excellent attendance. You haven’t missed a single shift, and you’re always on time. That reliability is really valuable to our team.
Rachel: Thank you. I try my best to be dependable.
Manager Stevens: It shows. I’ve also received consistent positive feedback from the nursing staff about your communication skills. Nurse Jennifer specifically mentioned that you provide detailed, accurate reports.
Rachel: I’m so glad to hear that. I always try to be thorough.
Manager Stevens: Now, there is one area where I think you have room for growth. A few colleagues have mentioned that you sometimes hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Rachel: nodding That’s true. I guess I don’t want to burden anyone.
Manager Stevens: I understand that feeling, but remember—patient safety is the priority. If you need a two-person assist or you’re running behind schedule, it’s better to ask for help than to risk injury or incomplete care.
Rachel: You’re absolutely right. I’ll work on being more comfortable asking for support.
Manager Stevens: Good. Overall, you’re doing excellent work. I’m planning to recommend you for the “CNA of the Quarter” award.
Rachel: Really? That’s such an honor!
Manager Stevens: You’ve earned it. Keep up the great work, and remember what we discussed about asking for help.
Rachel: I will. Thank you so much for this feedback and the recognition.
Dialogue 11: Training a New CNA
Setting: Patient hallway during orientation
Derek (Experienced CNA): Okay, Maya, today is your third day on the floor. I’m going to let you take the lead more, but I’ll be right here if you need me.
Maya (New CNA): I’m ready! I’m still a bit nervous, but I want to learn.
Derek: That’s a healthy attitude. Nervousness keeps you careful. Let’s start with morning rounds. What’s the first thing you should do when you enter a patient’s room?
Maya: Um… introduce myself?
Derek: Close! First, knock and wait for permission to enter, even if the door is open. Privacy and respect are critical. Then introduce yourself.
Maya: Oh, right! I remember that from training. I’ll make sure to do that.
Derek: Good. Now, when you’re doing morning care, you need to observe the patient while you work. What kinds of things should you be looking for?
Maya: Changes in their condition? Like if they seem confused or if their skin looks different?
Derek: Exactly! You’re looking for anything unusual—skin color, breathing patterns, mobility, mental status, wounds, or complaints of pain. These observations need to be reported to the nurse.
Maya: Should I wait until I’ve finished all my tasks, or report things immediately?
Derek: That depends on the situation. If it’s urgent—like difficulty breathing or chest pain—you call the nurse immediately. If it’s something less urgent, like a small skin tear, you can finish making the patient comfortable first, then report it right away.
Maya: That makes sense. What if I’m not sure if something is urgent?
Derek: When in doubt, ask. It’s always better to check with the nurse. They’d rather you ask about something minor than miss something important.
Maya: I’ll remember that. Can I ask you questions throughout the day?
Derek: Absolutely! I’d rather answer a hundred questions than have you guess and make a mistake. Ready to start?
Maya: Yes! Let’s do this.
Dialogue 12: Discussing Schedule Changes with Management
Setting: Break room after shift
Sophia (CNA): Manager Johnson, do you have a minute to discuss the schedule?
Manager Johnson: Sure, Sophia. What do you need?
Sophia: I saw that I’m scheduled for five consecutive 12-hour shifts next week. I’m willing to work hard, but I’m concerned about burnout and making mistakes from fatigue.
Manager Johnson: I appreciate you bringing this up. Let me check the schedule. looking at tablet You’re right—that’s too many in a row. This happened because two people called out sick and I was trying to fill the gaps.
Sophia: I understand staffing is difficult right now. Is there any way we could spread those shifts out more? Maybe I could work three days, have a day off, then work two more?
Manager Johnson: Let me see what I can do. Would you be willing to work this weekend if I can give you Tuesday and Wednesday off next week?
Sophia: Yes, I can do that. Working weekends isn’t a problem for me.
Manager Johnson: Perfect. I’ll adjust the schedule and send you the update by tonight. I’m actually glad you spoke up. We need our CNAs to be well-rested to provide safe care.
Sophia: Thank you for being understanding. I want to be helpful to the team, but I also want to make sure I’m at my best for the patients.
Manager Johnson: That’s exactly the right approach. In the future, if you see scheduling issues like this, let me know immediately. I sometimes make mistakes when I’m doing last-minute adjustments.
Sophia: I will. I appreciate your flexibility.
Manager Johnson: No problem. Thank you for being such a reliable team member.
Dialogue 13: Coordinating Patient Discharge with the Nursing Team
Setting: Nursing station, late morning
Nurse Amy: Hey, Chris, I need to talk to you about Mr. Robinson in 520. He’s being discharged today.
Chris (CNA): Great! What time is the discharge planned for?
Nurse Amy: The doctor wrote the discharge order for 2 PM. I need your help getting him ready.
Chris: No problem. What needs to be done?
Nurse Amy: First, help him get dressed in his own clothes. His daughter brought them yesterday—they’re in the closet. Then, remove his IV—I’ll do that—and disconnect his telemetry monitor.
Chris: Should I help him pack his belongings?
Nurse Amy: Yes, please. Make sure he has all his personal items—phone, glasses, dentures, hearing aids, anything he brought from home. Check the bathroom and all the drawers.
Chris: Got it. What about his medications?
Nurse Amy: I’m preparing his discharge medications now. Pharmacy should send them up by 1:30. I’ll go over the instructions with him and his daughter.
Chris: Do you want me to arrange wheelchair transport to the front entrance?
Nurse Amy: Yes, please call transport and let them know we’ll need a wheelchair at 2 PM. Also, make sure his daughter knows to pull her car around to the main entrance.
Chris: I’ll call her right now. Do I need to get his discharge paperwork?
Nurse Amy: I’m printing that now. I’ll give him the instructions, prescription information, and follow-up appointment details. You just focus on getting him physically ready and comfortable.
Chris: Sounds good. I’ll start helping him get dressed now and make sure he has everything.
Nurse Amy: Perfect. Let me know when he’s ready, and I’ll do the final discharge teaching.
Chris: Will do!
Dialogue 14: Problem-Solving with a Team Member
Setting: Medication room, discussing workflow issues
Nicole (CNA): Tyler, do you have a second? I wanted to talk about the morning routine on our unit.
Tyler (CNA): Sure, what’s up?
Nicole: I’ve noticed we’re both having trouble finishing morning care on time. We’re always rushing, and I feel like we’re not giving patients the attention they deserve.
Tyler: I’ve noticed that too! I thought it was just me being slow. What do you think the problem is?
Nicole: I think we’re not dividing the work efficiently. We’re both starting at the same end of the hallway and working toward the middle. That means we’re sometimes helping the same patients while others are waiting.
Tyler: That’s a good point. What if we each took one side of the hallway instead?
Nicole: Exactly what I was thinking! You could take rooms 300-310, and I could take 311-320. That way we’re not overlapping.
Tyler: That makes sense. But what about the patients who need two-person assists? There are usually three or four each morning.
Nicole: We could identify those patients at the beginning of the shift and coordinate specific times to help each other. Like, you could help me with Mrs. Chang at 7:30, and I could help you with Mr. Phillips at 8:00.
Tyler: I like that plan! It’s much more organized than what we’re doing now. Should we run this by Charge Nurse Kim?
Nicole: Definitely. Let’s propose it and see what she thinks. Maybe she’ll have other suggestions too.
Tyler: When should we talk to her?
Nicole: How about during the afternoon lull? Around 2 PM today?
Tyler: Perfect. I really think this will improve our workflow and patient care.
Nicole: Me too. Thanks for being open to changing our routine!
Dialogue 15: Advocating for a Patient
Setting: Nursing station, afternoon shift
Daniel (CNA): Nurse Jackson, I need to talk to you about Mrs. Kwon in 418.
Nurse Jackson: What’s going on with her?
Daniel: She’s been asking for pain medication for the past hour, but when I checked her medication record, I saw that she just received it 90 minutes ago. She’s still in a lot of pain.
Nurse Jackson: What’s her pain level?
Daniel: She says it’s an 8 out of 10. She’s holding her abdomen and can’t get comfortable in any position. I’m really concerned about her.
Nurse Jackson: Did anything trigger the pain? Activity, eating, anything?
Daniel: She said it started getting worse after she walked to the bathroom. She was fine this morning during her bath, but the pain has been increasing all afternoon.
Nurse Jackson: That’s concerning. Her current pain medication isn’t due for another two and a half hours. Let me assess her myself and call the doctor.
Daniel: Thank you. I also noticed she hasn’t eaten lunch. She said she feels nauseous.
Nurse Jackson: Good observation. The pain and nausea together could indicate something more serious. I’m going to see her right now. Can you stay with her until I get there?
Daniel: Of course. I’ll sit with her.
Nurse Jackson: I appreciate you advocating for her, Daniel. Some CNAs might have just told her to wait for her next dose.
Daniel: She was clearly suffering. I couldn’t just leave her like that.
Nurse Jackson: That’s exactly the kind of compassionate care we need. I’ll be there in two minutes.
30 minutes later
Nurse Jackson: Daniel, thank you again for bringing that to my attention. The doctor is ordering additional tests. You may have caught something serious early.
Daniel: I’m just glad I spoke up. How is she now?
Nurse Jackson: The doctor ordered a different pain medication, and she’s more comfortable. We’re monitoring her closely. You did the right thing.
Comprehensive Vocabulary List
Job Titles and Roles
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) – A healthcare professional who helps patients with basic care activities like bathing, eating, and moving around
Charge Nurse – The nurse in charge of a specific unit or floor during a shift; supervises other nurses and CNAs
Doctor/Physician – A medical professional licensed to diagnose and treat illnesses
Manager/Nursing Supervisor – An administrative leader who oversees nursing staff, schedules, and operations
Nurse – A licensed healthcare professional who provides medical care, administers medications, and coordinates treatment
Patient – A person receiving medical care
Transport – Hospital staff who move patients from one location to another
Medical Care Actions
Administer – To give medication or treatment to a patient
Assess – To examine and evaluate a patient’s condition
Document – To write down information in a patient’s medical record
Monitor – To watch and check something regularly
Position/Reposition – To move a patient’s body to prevent pressure sores and increase comfort
Transfer – To move a patient from one place to another (bed to chair, for example)
Patient Care Terms
Assistance/Assist – Help given to a patient
Bed alarm – A device that alerts staff when a patient tries to get out of bed
Bedside commode – A portable toilet placed next to the bed
Call light – A button patients press to request help from staff
Care plan – A written document describing how to care for a specific patient
Crash cart – A mobile cart with emergency medical equipment and medications
Discharge – When a patient leaves the hospital to go home
Flow sheet – A chart used to record patient information like vital signs and intake/output
Handoff/Report – Information shared between staff when shifts change
Hospital gown – Special clothing worn by patients in the hospital
Intake – Fluids a patient drinks or receives through IV
Output – Fluids that leave the patient’s body (urine, etc.)
Pain scale – A numbered system (usually 0-10) to measure how much pain a patient feels
Procedure – A medical test or operation
Rounds – Regular visits to check on patients
Standby supervision – Watching a patient closely while they do something, ready to help if needed
Two-person assist – A task requiring two staff members for safety
Vital signs/Vitals – Basic health measurements: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
Medical Conditions and Symptoms
Confused/Disoriented – Not knowing where you are, what time it is, or what’s happening
Elevated temperature – Body temperature higher than normal (fever)
NPO (Nothing by mouth) – Medical instruction that patient cannot eat or drink anything
Pain medication – Medicine given to reduce or stop pain
Pressure sore/Pressure injury – A wound on the skin caused by staying in one position too long
Restless – Unable to relax or be still
Sundowning – Increased confusion in the evening, common in dementia patients
Unresponsive – Not reacting when spoken to or touched
Medical Equipment
Barrier cream – Protective cream applied to skin to prevent breakdown
Blood pressure – The force of blood against artery walls
Braces/Wheelchair brakes – Locks that prevent a wheelchair from moving
Hospital bed – A special bed that can be adjusted up and down
IV (Intravenous) – A tube inserted into a vein to give fluids or medication
Telemetry monitor – A device that tracks heart rhythm
Walker – A metal frame that helps people walk safely
Zinc oxide cream – A type of barrier cream
Communication Terms
Acknowledge – To show that you heard and understood something
Advocate (for a patient) – To speak up on behalf of a patient’s needs
Briefing – A short meeting to share information
Clarification – An explanation that makes something clearer
Commend – To praise someone for good work
Coordinate – To organize and work together with others
Feedback – Information about how well someone is performing
Handoff – The process of transferring responsibility for patient care
Report – To tell someone in authority about something important
Update – New information about a situation
Work Schedule Terms
Day shift – Working during daytime hours (usually 7 AM – 7 PM)
Evening shift – Working during evening hours (usually 3 PM – 11 PM)
Night shift – Working during nighttime hours (usually 11 PM – 7 AM)
On call – Being available to work if needed
Short-staffed – Not having enough workers
Shift – A scheduled work period
Safety and Emergency Terms
Code Blue – Emergency announcement for cardiac arrest
Emergency – A serious, dangerous situation requiring immediate action
Incident – An unexpected event that may cause harm
Stabilize – To make a patient’s medical condition stop getting worse
Documentation Terms
Chart – A patient’s medical record
Medication record – Documentation of all medicines given to a patient
Notes – Written observations about a patient
Sign – A notice posted to communicate information
Professional Behavior Terms
Burnout – Physical and emotional exhaustion from working too much
Colleague/Coworker – A person you work with
Compassionate – Showing kindness and caring for others
Dependable/Reliable – Can be counted on; trustworthy
Professional – Behaving appropriately for work
Respectful – Showing consideration for others
Teamwork – Working together cooperatively
Vigilant – Watchful and alert
Common Workplace Phrases
“Can you give me a hand?” – Will you help me?
“Do you have a moment?” – Are you free to talk?
“I’ll return the favor” – I’ll help you in the future
“Keep an eye on” – Watch carefully
“Let me know” – Tell me/Inform me
“No problem” – You’re welcome/It’s not difficult
“On the count of three” – A phrase used to coordinate action together
“Run this by” – Ask for approval or opinion
“Take care of” – Handle/Complete a task
“That makes sense” – I understand
Time-Related Terms
As soon as possible/ASAP – Without delay; immediately
First thing – The first task in the morning
Mid-morning – Middle of the morning (around 9-10 AM)
Right away – Immediately
Throughout – During the entire time
Additional Medical Terms
Blanch – When skin turns white with pressure and returns to normal color (healthy circulation)
Compressions – Chest pushes during CPR
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – Emergency procedure for someone whose heart has stopped
ICU (Intensive Care Unit) – Hospital unit for critically ill patients
Pharmacy – Department that prepares medications
Pivot – To turn while standing
Stage 1 (pressure injury) – Earliest stage of a pressure sore; skin is red but not broken
Turning schedule – A plan showing when to reposition patients
Total vocabulary items: 150+
These dialogues provide realistic scenarios that CNAs face daily, with natural conversational English appropriate for English learners preparing for the healthcare workplace.
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