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What does a Nurse Aide do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A nurse aide is a health care worker who helps nurses with patient care. Nurse aides typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. They help patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Nurse aides also take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and document patients' medical histories.

Nurse Aide job duties include:

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • Transfer patients to and from wheelchairs, beds, examination tables, etc.
  • Take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature.
  • Help patients exercise and turn them to prevent bedsores.
  • Serve meals and help patients eat.
  • Collect urine and stool samples.
  • Perform basic wound care.
  • Assist with catheterizations.
  • Provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Nurse Aide Job Requirements

There are a few requirements for the job of a nurse aide. Firstly, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, certification is required in most states, although some states allow on-the-job training instead. Finally, some experience is generally preferred, although not always required.

Nurse Aide Skills

  • Patient care
  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Transferring patients
  • Repositioning patients
  • Providing range of motion exercises
  • Documenting patient information
  • Meal assistance
  • Toileting assistance
  • Bathing assistance
  • Ambulation assistance

Related: Top Nurse Aide Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Nurse Aide

There are a few steps you can take to become a nurse aide. Firstly, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, you will need to successfully complete an accredited nurse aide training program. Once you have completed these two steps, you will then need to pass a state-approved competency exam in order to earn your certification.

Becoming a nurse aide can be a rewarding experience as you will be helping to care for those who are ill or injured. It is important to remember that as a nurse aide you will be working under the supervision of a registered nurse and will not be able to make decisions on your own. However, you will still be responsible for providing basic patient care and will play an important role in the overall health care team.

Related: Nurse Aide Resume Example

Related: Nurse Aide Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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