Certified Nursing Assistant

You should check a nursing assistant job description carefully before investing time, money and effort in such a career. There are usually a combination of duties and tasks that the employee is supposed to cover regardless if in hospital, in a nursing home or in some other type of medical facility. The nursing assistant follows the directions of the head nurse and doctors.

A nursing assistant answers signal lights, the intercom system or bells to find out the patients’ needs.

The nursing assistant offers feeding support for patients who need it, serves and collects food trays.

The nursing assistant bathes, undresses and dresses patients.

The nursing assistant assists patients with walking, or carries them around in wheeled carts or wheelchairs.

The nursing assistant cleans the patients’ ward, runs errands and directs visitors.

When necessary, the nursing assistant repositions the patients in bed or drapes them for various medical procedures. Sometimes, he/she adjusts lights and holds instruments during medical procedures.

In terms of direct medical care, the nursing assistant checks the food and fluid intake, verifies blood pressure, respiration rate and pulse, takes and records temperature.

In nursing homes, the nursing assistant job description does not vary too much as compared to the duties performed in hospital or other medical facilities.

Further requirements in addition to the nursing assistant job description

A high school diploma is required for one to become a nursing assistant. In order to actually qualify for a nurse assistant job, you have to enroll in a certified program. The duration of training varies between six and twelve weeks. The courses available in such programs cover anatomy, nutrition, infection control, basic nursing skills and physiology. In some medical facilities you can train for certification on the job.

There are also personal requirements that are not specified in the nursing assistant job description, because they represent more features rather than rules of conduct. A nurse assistant should have good communication skills and show compassion to people. Don’t choose this job unless you are skilled at comforting the sick.

Nursing assistant jobs are very demanding, because they involve such a large number of physical tasks. You’ll be on your feet most of the time, walking and standing. No doubt about that. Moreover, there are physical challenges and hazards too due to strenuous tasks such as lifting patients or repositioning them. You ought to learn how to handle such tasks correctly, so that you don’t injure your back.

Other work challenges

In addition to working hard, you will also have to take night shifts, work at the weekend or on holidays. Some nursing assistants have to be at their job for ten or twelve hours per day, which is a lot more demanding and difficult when you have a house and a family to look after as well.

Lots of efforts are required if you want to advance in this profession. Thus, in order to become a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, you have to pursue further education.

It is therefore difficult to get a full-picture of what this profession is about by simply reading or looking through a nursing assistant job description. Reality is always more complex!