NURSES AIDES/ASSISTANTS (NURSING CAREERS) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-C (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
Nurses Assistants perform any combination of the following duties in caring for patients in hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility under the direction of nursing and medical staff. They answer signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs. Aides/Assistants bathe, dress, and undress patients. They may serve and collect food trays and feed patients who require help to eat. Nurses Aides duties vary according to training and experience and may be designated by various titles, such as psychiatric aide, nurse attendant, or hospital attendant, depending upon the practice of the employer.
COMPENSATION
Salaries differ from one district to another, by additional education and licensing, and amount of work or experience. Nurses Aides with no experience may earn an hourly wage from $4.80 to $9.00. With two years experience they usually earn $5.00 to $9.75, and Nurses Aides with three or more years of experience may make $5.25 to $10.25 per hour.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-- Interact with different kinds of patients, their families and other
health professionals
-- Understand human behavior
-- Gain trust of others
-- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable information
-- Work as a team member
Training/Requirements
-- May be required to have a High School diploma or equivalent
-- May be required to have six months experience
-- Some hospitals train employees for one to nine weeks under the close
supervision of a General Duty Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse.
-- May be required to take a physical exam
Extended care and skilled nursing facilities require:
-- At least six months experience
-- Completion of a formal nursing course in a Community College or
Hospital-Affiliated School
-- Participation in a State approved work-study program leading toward a
Nursing Assistant Certificate
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1) 355.674-014 OES (Occupational Employment Survey) System 660080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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