NURSE AIDES/NURSING ASSISTANTS California Occupational Guide Number 442 Interest Area 13 1997
THE JOB
NURSE AIDES may be called Assistants, Attendants or Orderlies. Nurse Aides do routine work in the general care of patients under the close supervision of nursing and medical staff. Their job involves duties that require less skill and training and this gives more time to the medically trained staff to carry out more highly skilled and specialized duties. Nurse Aides' duties depend on training and experience and as such may be designated by various titles, such as nursing assistant, geriatric aide, hospital attendant or orderly.
Nurse Aides take and record temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure; measure food and liquid intake and output; observe patient conditions and report any changes to the professional staff. They help patients with personal hygiene, bathing, and dressing. They serve food and feed patients who need help. Nurse Aides direct visitors, run errands, and answer phones. Some Nurse Aides apply dressings and compresses and get patients ready for examinations, treatments, or surgery. They also clean, sterilize, and assemble treatment trays and other supplies. Nurse Aides transport or help patients walk to treatment units, recreational therapy, and other activities, and help them with exercises.
In clinics, public health agencies, and acute care hospitals, Nurse Aides help professional staff examine and treat outpatients. They process patient documents, schedule appointments and help patients and their families understand instructions given by medically trained staff. In skilled nursing facilities, Certified Nurse Assistants provide support services on a 24-hour basis for convalescents, the elderly, and chronically ill patients. In patients' homes, Nurse Aides provide nonprofessional nursing care and help with personal hygiene.
Orderlies may have extra responsibilities, including moving patients and, if necessary, restraining patients.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Modern hospitals are well-lit, air conditioned and heated, well-ventilated, and have the latest equipment. A lot of walking, prolonged standing and some lifting are often involved. Potential hazards include back strain from lifting or turning patients and exposure to infection and contagious disease, but personal risk can be kept low by following proper procedures. Dependability and an interest in people are important for success. Nurse Aides must be able to follow orders and cooperate with other members of the health team.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Attendants ranks among the top fifty largest job growth occupations in California.
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Attendants in California will reach 106,900 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 21,180 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 17,790 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 21,180 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 38,970 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Employment is expected to grow due to the continuing emphasis on rehabilitation and the long-term care needs of an aging population. Employment opportunities should also result from the growing number of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Modern medical technology continues to save more lives and increases the need for Aides to provide extended care.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Nurse Aides and Assistants vary by location, education and training, and experience level. Inexperienced Aides and Assistants earn minimum wage to $14.00 per hour. Wages for experienced Aides and Assistants range from the minimum to $16.00. Those with three or more years experience with the same firm earn up to $17.00 hourly. Union wages are about the same as nonunion wages.
Since hospitals and nursing homes provide 24 hours a day, Nurse Aides might work day, evening, or night shifts. They also work on weekends and holidays, but most full time aides have a regular shift and work from 32 to 40 hours a week. Part-time schedules are also available.
Fringe benefits for permanent employees normally include health insurance, sick leave, paid holidays and vacations.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Nurse Aides are hired on a combination of experience, training and certification. A high school diploma is required. Experience is preferred, but most employers are willing to train. Nursing homes and convalescent centers providing personal care prefer to hire Aides having up to six months experience but will consider mature applicants and train them on the job. Formal training usually lasts one to nine weeks under close supervision of a general duty nurse or licensed practical nurse. Medical corps experience in the armed forces is considered appropriate.
Extended care and skilled nursing facilities require at least six months experience in a similar facility, completion of a formal nursing course in community college or hospital affiliated school, and participation in a State approved work study program leading toward certification as Nursing Assistant.
Training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, consists of 100 hours of clinical practice and 50 hours of classroom instruction. Acute care hospitals require high school graduation, six months to one year experience, and certification appropriate to extensive medical treatment.
Most government agencies require candidates to pass a written and oral test. A medical exam is required by most employers. Necessary personal qualifications include verbal ability, dependability, good judgment, tact, emotional stability, and the ability to work with others. Uniforms and supplies are provided or paid for by the employer.
ADVANCEMENT
Nurse Aides jobs are entry level jobs in the nursing field. There is no formal line of promotion, but with additional training and schooling, the aide can work in a specialty area such as pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, medicine, obstetrics, orthopedics, and psychiatry. Many employers encourage career advancement by giving training within the facility and by offering flexible work schedules to make formal classroom study easier. Aides can also get their Bachelor's degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse if they enjoy the field of healthcare.
FINDING THE JOB
Some employers recruit Nurse Aides in high schools and colleges. Trained workers may apply directly to local hospitals, nursing homes, civil service agencies, private employment agencies, Nurses Registries, and register with the California Employment Development Department. Other sources include the classified ads of local newspapers or medical publications.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Health Services Nurse Assistant Certification Section 1800 3rd Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 327-2445
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners No. 29 Psychiatric Technicians No. 95 Licensed Vocational Nurses No. 313
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Nurse Assistant 355.674-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Nurse Aides, Orderlies, Attendants 660080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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