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What does a Nurse Technician do?

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

Published 3 min read

A nurse technician is a health care professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nurse technicians typically work in hospitals, but may also work in other settings such as nursing homes and clinics. They are responsible for taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Nurse Technician job duties include:

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting
  • Take vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
  • Help with patient positioning and turning
  • Collect urine and stool specimens
  • Assist with wound care
  • Insert catheters and perform bladder scans
  • Perform EKGs and phlebotomy
  • Provide basic patient education on disease process, medications, and discharge instructions
  • Serve as a liaison between the patient and the registered nurse

Nurse Technician Job Requirements

A nurse technician is a health care professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nurse technicians typically have an associate's degree in nursing, although some may have a diploma or bachelor's degree. They must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Most nurse technicians have at least one year of experience working in a hospital or other health care setting.

Nurse Technician Skills

  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good people skills
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Physical stamina
  • Emotional stability
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills

Related: Top Nurse Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Nurse Technician

A nurse technician is a health care professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nurse technicians typically work in hospitals, but may also work in other settings such as nursing homes, clinics, and home health care agencies.

Becoming a nurse technician requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) exam. Most states also require nurse technicians to be licensed by the state Board of Nursing. Once you have completed all of the necessary education and training requirements, you will be ready to begin your career as a nurse technician!

Related: Nurse Technician Resume Example

Related: Nurse Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

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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