Nursing Assistants Questions

There is little doubt that the healthcare field is in desperate need of help. Hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics need nurses to be able to function in any way. Nursing assistants are in the greatest demand. They are responsible for most of the day-to-day care of patients. Their job duties are varied depending on skill but there is a real need for qualified nursing assistants all over the world. If you are curious about the career of a nursing assistant, this article is for you.

What is a nursing assistant?

A nursing assistant is a person that fulfills the basic requirements of patients. They are the ones that have the most direct contact with the patient as well. As far as education goes they are at the lower level on the healthcare career ladder. It takes a special person to be a nursing assistant. He or she has a tremendous amount of responsibility. They may also be called medical assistants.

Does a nursing assistant have to be licensed?

Many states are requiring that all healthcare personnel be licensed but that issue is still up to the particular state's health board. Most hospitals require their nursing assistants be certified and licensed through the state. Other places such as nursing homes, home health care and rehabilitation clinics often do not require licensing or if they do, they will often provide the training and classes needed to obtain a license.

What about background checks?

Background checks are at the discretion of the employer. Many healthcare facilities have learned how invaluable background checks are to ensure their patient's safety. A background check can turn up if the employee has a criminal record as well as if there were any cases of abuse opened up against him or her. A criminal background check has become standard in the workplace for businesses that deal with patients or the public but often do not cover medical backgrounds unless the individual is registered with the state.

What job duties does a nursing assistant have?

Nursing assistants perform the most day-to-day living care. They can dispense medication, draw blood, provide sanitary care and even run errands for the patient if it is a home health situation. Nursing assistants are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They are the ones who are often the primary care givers when the family cannot do so. They also provide emotional care to patients.

Where do they work?

Nursing assistants can work in a variety of places. They are most commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes. Depending on the classes and instruction, the nursing assistant can work in a lab, prison, school or a hospice. They can also be an employee of a home healthcare agency. Many doctor's offices are turning to nursing assistants to help take patient vital signs and get basic information from the patient for the physician.

Where can I attend classes to become a nursing assistant?

Many vocational colleges or technical institutes offer classes on nursing assistant training. The course work may include laboratory training so that the nursing assistant can draw blood for the employer. There are employers who offer on the job training but you have to check with them to ensure that you are receiving the proper education and that you will be able to take the licensing exam. Having your license can mean the difference between a low paying job and one that comes with top pay with benefits.

What kinds of questions do they ask on the nursing assistant examination?

There are two parts to the examination. The first is a written exam and the second is demonstrating that you have the required skills necessary to be licensed and caring for a patient. Testing varies according to each state's health board but there are some common items covered. These items include: helping a patient dress, ethics, privacy act and even on which side to stand on if a patient is walking down the hall. It is not always about knowing medical terminology. Much of a nursing assistant's day is providing routine care for a patient so it is important that the assistant be able to be able to help dress, bathe and feed a patient.

How much do nursing assistants make?

That is a hard question to pin down exactly. There are many things that factor into a nursing assistant's pay. The first is whether or not he or she is licensed. The second is where the place of employment is. Nursing homes pay generally less than hospitals do because they do not have the budget to pay top dollar to their employees. The third factor is what hours and shift the nursing assistant works. Assistants that work the "graveyard" shift (from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) generally make at least thirty cents more an hour than day shift employees.

If I move to another state, what happens to my license?

The very first step you need to do is to contact the state health board. If you are applying at a job, the human resource director or nursing director can provide you with the information you will need. You must be current on your immunizations and not be under disciplinary action for harming a patient. You can also expect a criminal background check along with being fingerprinted. In most states you will not have to retake the nursing assistant test but if you have let your license expire, you will have to attend classes and become certified again.

I have an elderly relative who needs care during the day; can I hire a nursing assistant rather than a nurse?

Most home health agencies have a few nurses to oversee medical conditions but employ nursing assistants to come in and care for the patients during the day. If you do not want to go through an agency and intend to pay for the care out of your own pocket, hiring a nursing assistant is a great way to have quality care and companionship for your relative. You will have to do the background check yourself though if you elect not to use an agency.

Can a nursing assistant do housework or run errands for my relative?

Yes, many nursing assistants perform routine care and housework for their patients. But you have to ensure, when hiring the person, that it is part of their job duties and pay them accordingly. Their job is to care for the patient but not to cater to your every whim. If you treat them with respect it can be a win-win situation for everyone.

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