Nursing Aides And Attendants: Schools and Careers

About Nursing Aides And Attendants

Under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or medical staff member, Nursing Assistants perform a variety of hands-on duties and tasks focused on the care of patients in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and health centers. Other titles for individuals in this profession include hospital attendant, nursing aide, nurse aide, patient care technician, geriatric aide, and orderly. The title, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) applies to individuals who have met state certification requirements to work in skilled nursing facilities, and most especially in facilities that accept Medicare residents.

Specific duties and tasks performed by an individual in this profession depend on their experience and training, and the type of health care facility in which they work. Regardless however, it is the Nursing Aide whom a patient sees most often on any given day. And, most especially for nursing home patients, it is the Aide with whom they very often form a close bond. When one considers all that an Aide does both for and with a patient, it is no wonder that a personal attachment is formed. Duties and tasks often performed by a nursing assistant include:

• preparing food trays
• feeding patients (when needed)
• measuring liquid and food intake and output
• measuring and recording vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, respiration and pulse rates)
• administering medicines (as directed by the supervising doctor or nurse; may also explain some medical instructions to both patients and family)
• bathing, dressing, and grooming patients
• providing skin care (e.g., alcohol or lotion rubs)
• repositioning and turning bedridden patients
• assisting patients with the use of bedpans and urinals
• collecting specimens (e.g., sputum, urine, feces)
• assisting patients in walking and getting in and out of bed
• moving (via wheelchair or gurney), or accompanying, patients to examining or operating rooms
• observing patients' physical, emotional, and mental conditions and reporting abnormalities or changes to medical or nursing staff
• making and changing beds
• answering patient calls for help
• tidying up rooms
• delivering flowers, gifts, and messages

Some nursing assistants may also support a medical staff by storing, preparing, and distributing supplies, setting up and monitoring equipment, and assisting with some procedures. Additionally, in environments such as public health agencies, clinics, and acute care hospitals, these professionals may also assist with the examination and treatment of outpatients, schedule appointments, process patient documents/records, and explain special instructions (given by medical staff) to patients and their families.

Nursing Assistant Job Characteristics

Most Nursing Assistants work with a set schedule based on a 32- to 40-hour workweek; some work on a part-time basis. Because patients require round-the-clock care, schedules may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Aides and Assistants always work indoors and in well-lit, air-conditioned environments and are required to wear uniforms. Equipment used by Aides and Attendants are generally modern or state-of-the-art.

Nursing Assistants generally have heavy workloads that include physical demands such as walking and standing for long periods of time. Because they may be required to reposition or move patients from one spot to another and assist in standing and walking, it is important that they practice correct procedures for lifting and moving patients. Other hazards that an assistant may encounter in this occupation include minor infections and major diseases (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis). Again, it is important to note that infections can be avoided by adhering to proper precautions and procedures. There are also duties performed by an assistant that most individuals would consider unpleasant, such as emptying bedpans and changing soiled bed linens. While physical and emotional demands are inherent in this occupation, most find it gratifying to help and enhance the quality of life to those in need.

Individuals in this profession must possess and exude the following characteristics, attributes, and abilities:

• patience
• dependability
• precision and accuracy
• emotional stability
• sensitivity
• discretion
• service orientation
• socially perceptive
• strong verbal and writing abilities
• command of the English language
• effective interpersonal and communications abilities
• problem recognition/sensitivity/solving
• strong concentration and focusing abilities
• organization and time management skills
• good physical health (including strength to lift, carry, push, pull)
• ability to work individually and as part of a team

Nursing Assistant Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), "employment of Nursing Aides is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016, in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population." It is also anticipated that the financial pressures generally put upon hospitals to release patients at the earliest possible time should boost or increase admissions to nursing care facilities. And, as a result, employment opportunities in residential care and nursing facilities will be greater than those in hospitals. Finally, the impact that technological medical advances have on extending and saving lives will have a positive impact on the demand for Nursing Assistants as "it increases the need for long-term care provided by Aides."

Nursing Assistant Classes, Training, and CNA Certification

Completion of a formal training program is required for this profession. Programs are generally offered through high schools, private vocational schools and technical centers, Regional Occupational Programs, adult education programs, nursing care facilities, and community and two-year colleges. Programs may take anywhere from two to five weeks to complete; courses typically include:

• nutrition
• anatomy
• physiology
• body mechanics
• infection control
• resident rights
• communication skills
• personal care skills

Some employers offer classroom training while others may provide on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a general duty nurse or LPN. On-the-job training can last anywhere from several days to a few months. Nursing Assistants may also attend lectures, workshops, and in-service training sessions.

An individual in this profession must be in good health; most states require a physical examination, including state-regulated tests for diseases such as tuberculosis. A criminal background check is also a common requirement.

Federal Government requirements exist for Nursing Assistants who are employed by nursing care facilities. Individuals who work in these environments are required to complete a state-approved training program that must meet a 75-hour minimum requirement and include 16 hours of supervised clinical training. Aides who complete the program and pass a competency evaluation will have achieved the level of CNA, or State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), and will be added on the state registry of Nursing Aides. To maintain their certification, Aides must complete 12 hours of continuing education, on an annual basis.

When it comes to advancement, opportunities are limited. Moving on to health occupations generally requires formal education or training. Most Aides and Attendants move on to become RNs, LPNs, or Medical Assistants.

Resource for Nursing Assistants

• Nursing, Psychiatric, and Home Health Aides

Major Employers of Nursing Assistants

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