Nurse assistant

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Nurse Assistant

A Nurse Assistant, also known as a Nursing Aide, is a healthcare professional who supports nurses in their daily tasks, providing basic care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Roles and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

The primary role of a Nurse Assistant is to assist Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the delivery of patient care. This includes tasks such as bathing and feeding patients, changing bed linens, and helping patients with their mobility. They also monitor patients' vital signs, such as their pulse, temperature, and blood pressure.

Nurse Assistants often have more direct contact with patients than any other healthcare professional, including doctors and nurses. As such, they play a crucial role in observing and reporting changes in a patient's condition.

Education and Training[edit | edit source]

To become a Nurse Assistant, individuals must complete a state-approved education program, which typically includes both classroom instruction and clinical training. Topics covered in these programs include basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and infection control.

Upon completion of their training, Nurse Assistants must pass a competency exam to become certified. This exam typically includes both a written component and a skills demonstration.

Employment and Outlook[edit | edit source]

Nurse Assistants are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Nurse Assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, due to the increasing demand for healthcare services from an aging population.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]




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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD