Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/725997
8 September, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE Career Path: Nursing Assistants N ursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. DUTIES Nursing assistants provide basic care and help with activities of daily living. They typically do the following: Clean and bathe patients or residents • Help patients use the toilet and dress • Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs • Listen to and record patients' health concerns and report that information to nurses • Measure patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature • Serve meals and help patients eat • Some nursing assistants also may dispense medication, depending on their training level and the state in which they work. In nursing homes and residential care facilities, assistants are often the principal caregivers. They have more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Because some residents stay in a nursing home for months or years, assistants may develop close relationships with their residents. Nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program in which they learn the basic principles of nursing and complete supervised clinical work. These programs are found in high schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. In addition, nursing assistants typically complete a brief period of on-the-job training to learn about their specific employer's policies and procedures. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS After completing a state-approved education program, nursing assistants take a competency exam. Passing this exam allows them to use state-specific titles. In some states, a nursing assistant or aide is called a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but titles vary from state to state. Nursing assistants who have passed the competency exam are placed on a state registry. Nursing assistants must be on the state registry to work in a nursing home. Some states have other requirements as well, such as continuing education and a criminal background check. Check with state boards of nursing or health for more information. In some states, nursing assistants can earn additional credentials, such as becoming a Certified Medication Assistant (CMA). As a CMA, they can give medications. IMPORTANT QUALITIES Communication skills. Nursing assistants and orderlies must be able to communicate effectively to address patients' or residents' concerns. They also need to relay important information to other healthcare workers. Compassion. Nursing assistants and orderlies assist and care for the sick, injured, and elderly. Doing so requires a compassionate and empathetic attitude. Patience. The routine tasks of cleaning, feeding, and bathing patients or residents can be stressful. Nursing assistants and orderlies must have patience in order to complete these tasks. Physical stamina. Nursing assistants and orderlies spend much of their time