My typical day consists of charting, observing historical records, medical management, and getting their assessments done. All these individual tasks can take a while depending on the needs of the infant. Some of the assessments consist of weighing the baby, changing the linen (the bedding), their diapers, and bathing the infants. I have to do all that while trying not to come into physical contact with them for 6 hours.
CAREER
Nursing Assistants
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$30,850
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+7.6% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Nursing Assistants Do
Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Other Job Titles Nursing Assistants May Have
Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Nurses' Aide, Nursing Aide, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I observe patients and chart everything that takes place on my shift.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
- Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Nursing Assistants
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (37%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Nursing Education
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Nurse aid
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
The "real" learning experience does not start until you are actually in the working field. Some essential skills that help me within my job are maintaining proactive and resilience. Nursing comes with a handful of responsibilities and is not for the weak. It is significant to not give up easily but to be driven through any obstacle that comes your way. Another skill that has helped me in this field is being versatile.
Teamwork. Accountability. Reliable.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Don't be afraid to take risks. As terrifying as applying for the nursing program was, I did it regardless. I had no idea what was waiting for me on the other side, and I wouldn't have if it weren't for that moment of courage.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.