Nursing Assistant

Roles and responsibilities

Assist registered nurses and healthcare staff in providing patient care.

Monitor and record patients' vital signs and medical history.

Assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.

Ensure a clean and safe environment for patients.

Communicate effectively with patients and their families regarding care plans.

Support nursing staff with administrative tasks, including maintaining patient records and managing supplies.

• Compassion and Empathy

  • Nursing assistants need to be compassionate and empathetic to understand the needs of patients and provide emotional support during difficult times.

• Communication Skills

  • Excellent communication is crucial for interacting with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Nursing assistants need to communicate clearly and accurately, especially when reporting patient conditions or concerns.

• Physical Stamina and Strength

  • Nursing assistants may need to lift, move, or reposition patients, sometimes in challenging conditions. Physical stamina and strength are essential for this aspect of the job.

• Attention to Detail

  • The ability to carefully observe changes in a patient’s condition and accurately document vital signs and other relevant information is essential.

• Patience and Flexibility

  • Nursing assistants often work in fast-paced, sometimes emotionally charged environments. Patience and the ability to adapt to various situations are necessary.

• Teamwork

  • Nursing assistants work as part of a healthcare team, often collaborating with nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals, so being a good team player is vital.

• Problem-Solving Skills

  • Nursing assistants need to think on their feet and be able to make decisions quickly, especially when a patient’s condition changes unexpectedly.

Desired candidate profile

• Patient Care and Support

  • Assisting with Daily Activities: Nursing assistants help patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and using the bathroom.
  • Positioning and Moving Patients: They assist with repositioning patients in bed, transferring patients from one place to another (e.g., from bed to wheelchair), and helping them maintain mobility.

• Monitoring and Reporting Patient Vital Signs

  • Measuring Vital Signs: They take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates, and report any significant changes to the nursing staff.
  • Observing Patient Health: Nursing assistants observe patients for any changes in their condition, behavior, or symptoms and communicate these to the nurse or healthcare provider.

• Assisting Nurses and Physicians

  • Preparing Patients for Procedures: They help prepare patients for medical procedures, tests, or treatments by assisting with the setup and ensuring patients are comfortable.
  • Supporting Medical Team: They support registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or physicians by performing routine tasks that allow them to focus on more complex medical duties.

• Administering Basic Care

  • Wound Care: In some cases, nursing assistants help with dressing wounds or assist with simple care tasks like applying ointments or bandages.
  • Feeding and Hydration: They help patients eat, drink, and manage their nutrition, ensuring that patients with difficulty swallowing or eating are properly cared for.

• Maintaining Cleanliness and Hygiene

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing: Nursing assistants help maintain a clean and safe environment by sanitizing patient rooms, equipment, and assisting with personal hygiene tasks.
  • Changing Bed Linens: They change bed linens and assist with other tasks to ensure patient comfort and hygiene.

• Providing Emotional and Psychological Support

  • Offering Comfort and Companionship: Nursing assistants provide emotional support by offering comfort, listening to patients' concerns, and providing companionship.
  • Helping with Mental Health: They can assist patients who are coping with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues by offering a supportive presence.

• Assisting with Mobility

  • Helping with Walking or Physical Therapy: Nursing assistants often help patients with exercises, walking, or other physical activities as recommended by physical therapists.
  • Using Mobility Aids: They may assist patients with mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches.