What is the appropriate way for a nursing assistant to address a resident?

Addressing a resident using titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss along with their last name is the respectful and professional approach in a healthcare setting. This method shows dignity and acknowledges the individuality of the residents, while also adhering to social norms and values around formality, especially in a care environment where relationships are built on trust and respect. Using titles helps to create a clear boundary between the caregiver and the resident, which is important for maintaining professionalism.

In contrast, addressing someone solely by their first name may come off as too casual or intimate in a formal setting, potentially undermining the respect that the nursing assistant's role is meant to convey. Addressing a resident by their last name only can feel impersonal and may lack the warmth that the use of a title conveys. Using the name given at birth might not take into account the preferences of the individual; many people prefer to be addressed by the names they have chosen or that they identify with in their current lives.