What does a Nurse Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A nurse assistant helps nurses with patient care. They may take vital signs, help patients eat or bathe, and answer call lights.
Nurse Assistant job duties include:
- Bathe patients and help them to dress and undress
- Help patients to move in bed, to turn, to cough and deep breath, and to change positions
- Take patients’ vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- Help patients with mouth care, such as brushing their teeth and dentures
- Serve meals and help patients eat
- Collect urine samples and stool specimens
- Help with personal hygiene, such as bathing, hair care, nail care, shaving, and changing bed linens
- Answer patients’ call lights
- Observe patients for changes in condition and report any changes to the nurse in charge
- Perform simple procedures, such as applying dressings and taking blood pressures
Nurse Assistant Job Requirements
There are a few requirements that one must meet in order to become a nurse assistant. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, as well as completion of an accredited nurse assistant program. Certification is also required in most states. Some states may require additional certification for those who wish to work in long-term care facilities. Experience is not always required, but it may be helpful in landing a job.
Nurse Assistant Skills
- Patient care
- Vital signs
- Wound care
- Injections
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Catheter care
- Patient transfers
- Patient education
- Assisting with exams
- Charting
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How to become a Nurse Assistant
There are many ways to become a Nurse Assistant. One way is to attend a certified nursing assistant program at a local college or vocational school. Many of these programs last about six weeks and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Once you have completed a nursing assistant program, you must then pass a state-approved certification exam in order to become licensed.
Another way to become a Nurse Assistant is to complete on-the-job training through a hospital, long-term care facility, or home health agency. Many of these organizations offer training programs that last several weeks and include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Once you have completed the training program, you may be required to take a state-approved certification exam in order to become licensed.
No matter which route you choose to become a Nurse Assistant, it is important that you have a strong desire to help others and a passion for providing quality care. As a Nurse Assistant, you will play an important role in the lives of your patients by providing them with the necessary care and support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
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