What does a Nursing Attendant do?
Published 4 min read
A nursing attendant helps patients with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Nursing Attendant job duties include:
- Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom
- Help patients move in and out of bed, onto chairs or toilets, and in and out of wheelchairs or shower stalls
- Take patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Serve meals to patients and help them eat if necessary
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
- Help care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia by providing companionship and performing tasks such as reminding them to take their medications
- Perform light housekeeping duties such as making beds and changing linens
- Answer call lights and respond to patient requests promptly
- Report any changes in patients’ condition or behavior to the nurse on duty
Nursing Attendant Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for nursing attendants, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many nursing attendants complete on-the-job training, which typically lasts a few weeks. Some states have certification programs for nursing assistants, which may require completing an accredited training program and passing a competency exam. Although not required, some nursing attendants may choose to become certified through the National Healthcare Association or the American Nurses Association. Nursing attendants typically need to have at least a few months of experience working in a healthcare setting before they can be considered for a job.
Nursing Attendant Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Communication
- Listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Reporting
- Assessment
- Intervention
- Evaluation
Related: Top Nursing Attendant Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Nursing Attendant
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a nursing attendant. Maybe they have a desire to help others, or they want to work in a healthcare setting. Whatever the reason, there are a few things that anyone interested in becoming a nursing attendant should know.
First and foremost, nursing attendants must be compassionate. They will be working with patients who are often sick, injured, or otherwise in need of care. It is important that nursing attendants be able to empathize with their patients and provide them with the best possible care.
Secondly, nursing attendants must be detail-oriented. They will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ medical records and ensuring that all of their needs are met. It is important that nursing attendants be able to pay attention to detail in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Lastly, nursing attendants must be physically fit. They will often be required to lift and move patients, as well as perform other physical tasks. It is important that nursing attendants be physically able to handle the demands of the job in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Anyone interested in becoming a nursing attendant should keep these things in mind. Nursing is a demanding but rewarding career, and those who are successful in it are typically those who are compassionate, detail-oriented, and physically fit.
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