Nursing Assistants

Offer primary care or support services, as directed by a registered nurse on site. Carry out responsibilities including checking on people's health.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT NURSING ASSISTANT CAREERS

Nursing assistants and orderlies are key members of the team that provides personal care to patients in every hospital, clinic, and nursing home. Nursing assistants offer basic care for patients under the supervision of nursing personnel, while orderlies carry patients and clean treatment facilities. Nursing aides respond to patient calls, change or reposition immobile patients, and ensure that each patient receives the proper diet. They assist patients with activities of daily living such as getting out of bed, using the restroom, showering, and walking. Vital indicators such as blood pressure and temperature are measured by nursing assistants. They monitor and listen to the health issues of patients, then document and discuss them with supervising nurses. Orderlies transfer patients from bed to wheelchair or gurney, replace bed sheets, replenish supplies, and clean facilities. Nursing assistants are mostly employed in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health care. The majority of orderlies work in hospitals. Nursing assistants and orderlies are often full-time employees. Their job is physically demanding, requiring them to stand for long periods of time and lift and move patients, thus injuries are a possibility. Nights, weekends, and holidays are popular work schedules. Nursing assistants must first undergo state-approved training, which can span anywhere from a few months to a year, before taking and passing their state's certification exam. Orderlies normally have a high school diploma or similar and are trained on the job.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Know More
Performing General Physical Activities Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Medicine and Dentistry Know More
Psychology Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More
Therapy and Counseling Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Coordination Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More