Nursing aids are responsible for caring for the personal needs of patients and work under supervision of nursing personnel. Duties include assisting with all activities of daily living, including eating, grooming, toileting, dressing and bathing. In some facilities they take patients' vital signs of blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration. They help with ambulating, making beds and sometimes are responsible for duties involving equipment and supplies.They pay attention to all aspects of a patient's well being and report changes to their supervisor.
This is a physically taxing job as it involves much standing, walking and lifting. A nursing aid must be careful to follow correct techniques in moving patients in order to protect their backs from injury. As they can contract contagious disease, they should exercise great care in following procedures that minimize this danger. Part of the work can be unpleasant, such as assisting in toileting needs or providing care for the mentally or emotionally impaired. Not everyone is suited for this career.
Some states stipulate the possession of a high school diploma or GED before participating in the program. Educational requirements for CNAs consists of at least 75 hours of training, 16 hours of which involves supervised, hands-on experience. Some states require further training beyond the federally mandated 75 hours. Following training, students must successfully undergo a state certification exam and skills test. Additional requirements involve 12 hours of continuing education each year.
Other qualifications involve possessing good health, passing a criminal check and having a patient, compassionate temperament.
CNAs can work in hospitals, nursing homes, mental facilities and home health agencies. Job opportunities should increase at a good rate in order to keep up with the demand posed by the needs of an enlarging, aging population. As of May 2008, the average hourly salary for this work was $11.46 per hour, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Due to the taxing nature of the work, and the fact that many aids leave their jobs for training in other health related fields, the demand for these workers exceeds the supply. Employment prospects for those suited for this career are very good.