Nursing Aide

Answer 1

Nursing aides perform a multitude of tasks depending on their level of training. At entry and basic levels, nursing aides help prepare rooms for patients, helping to feed or dress them as well as helping to bathe patients. Some nursing aides may monitor medications or work on reports for patients. In some cases they may administer medications to patients as needed but only after doctor or nurse approval unless trained and certified. Other tasks may include moving patients as needed to prevent bedsores, moving them for testing or between rooms as needed.

Some facilities may have a nursing aide monitor vital signs or keep track of health charts of patients. Because nursing aides have a lower educational requirement it can be an ideal entry level position for anyone considering entering the medical profession. It allows the aide to gain experience and can help them to narrow down which field they would like to advance in. Those who have good interpersonal skills will find that a nursing aide position is well suited to them for interacting with patients on a regular basis. Many times nursing aides will go on to complete nursing school and become a registered nurse.

The average yearly earnings for nursing aides is approximately $24,000 but wages are often based upon how many years of experience, where the job is performed and if additional training is obtained. Some nursing aides may wish to receive additional training in order to work positions that require more medical knowledge or expertise.

At a minimum nursing aides need to have a high school diploma for basic jobs with others requiring further training such as nursing school, CPR training or other medical education. Some positions may require bilingual skills or technician training. Training is often offered at vocational schools but can also be found at some high schools and community colleges. For nursing aides who work at nursing homes certification is required and can include up to 75 hours of training and experience as well as an exam.