Final answer:
The nursing assistant should immediately inform the charge nurse about the resident's statement, as it is critical to address the resident's safety and involves getting professional assistance promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident informs a nursing assistant of intentions to harm themselves, this is a serious situation that requires immediate action. The nursing assistant should not keep this information confidential due to the urgent need to ensure the resident's safety. Instead, the correct course of action is to inform the charge nurse immediately, as the charge nurse has the training and authority to initiate appropriate interventions and notify any additional necessary parties, such as mental health professionals or emergency services.