Nursing Assistants (NAs) work under the supervision of nurses or physicians to address the most fundamental elements of a patent care. The feed, dress, bathe and groom patients, contributing enormously to their sense of normalcy and well being. NAs are sometimes given more medically-oriented duties such as measuring and recording temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Nurses’ assistant also assist with the administrative duties and record-keeping that accompany patient care.
Nursing Assistants, also known as nursing assistant or nursing attendants, can have an enormous impact on the day-to-day experience of patients, helping them to feel well cared for and capable as they face medical challenges or diminishing physical capacity.
Mostly NAs are paid on an hourly basis and the latest information from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the 2010 median salary of NAs at approximately $9.50/Hour. This is roughly equivalent to $24,000 a year. On the low end, NAs make about $17,000 a year and the highest 10% in the field.
This reality is reflected in the government’s projected job growth for NAs, which is faster average for the Occupation at 20% (projected until at least the year 2020).
Nurse Assistant program is 4 weeks long which includes three weeks of classroom lecture and training and one week of clinical training at a nursing faciltity.
• INTRO TO LONG TERM/SOCIAL SKILLS
• PERSONAL CARE SKILLS
• BASIC NURSING SKILLS
• RESTORATIVE SERVICES
• MENTAL HEALTH / SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS &
• SOCIAL SKILL
• CLINICAL PRACTICE
NAs do not need to a State license to practice. Certification as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA), however, is an option (and a desirable one) for better job opportunities. In addition, many employers require NAs to be certified.