Nursing Assistants

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Every hospital, clinic, and nursing home needs a team of skilled professionals to provide personal care to patients, and nursing assistants play a key role. Nursing assistants answer patient call signals, turn or reposition bedridden patients, and ensure each patient receives the appropriate diet. They help patients with daily living activities such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, walking, and exercising. Nursing assistants measure vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature. They gather, observe, and listen to patients’ health concerns, then document and share them with supervising licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. People in this field use technology such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), billing software, health information databases, and medical record software. A knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is helpful. Nursing assistants must complete state-approved training, lasting between a few months to a year, then pass their state’s certification exam. They work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, home health agencies, doctor’s offices and long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Communication with coworkers and patients is a key aspect of a nursing assistant’s job. Their role is vital to patients’ daily health and well-being.