NURSING ASSISTANT

Nursing assistants help other health professionals in the day-to-day treatment of patients located in hospitals, nursing homes, home settings, and rehabilitation centers.  They are active members of the treatment team since they have contact with the patients throughout the day. They help the patients groom and feed themselves as well as participate in recreational and educational activities with the patients.  Nursing assistants are often trained to administer medicines and provide basic first aid in an emergency.  Nursing assistants work under the supervision of a nurse, physician or other professional.

HOW DO I BECOME A NURSING ASSISTANT?

While in high school you can prepare for nursing assistant training by taking courses in speech communication, sign language, biological sciences, sociology and psychology. High school graduation or equivalent (GED) is recommended. A postsecondary certificate or award is necessary and can be achieved at community colleges, vocational and technical schools as well as in hospitals and nursing homes.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?

During your training, you will learn the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, human behavior, infection control methods, record keeping, and the nursing skills involved in patient care and patient management.  In many programs, you are awarded certification as a nursing assistant upon graduation.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

The employment outlook for nursing assistants is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing aides is expected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020 which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Nursing assistants are employed by hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and residential facilities.  There is a high demand for nursing assistants in rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.  They normally work a 40 hour week, sometimes working weekends and holidays.  Nursing assistants employed by residential facilities often work evening and overnight shifts in order to provide around the clock nursing coverage for the clientele.  No matter which shift they work, nursing assistants work under the supervision of LPNs or Registered Nurses.

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400
Sivler Spring, MD 20910
(301)628-5000
www.nursingworld.org