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A nursing assistant works directly under a Registered Nurse (RN) and looks after the basic needs of patients such as recording the vitals (temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure etc), feeding the patient etc. The demand for nursing assistant is on the rise as more and more hospitals looks to increase the ratio of nurse to patients, something that cannot be done by merely increasing the strength of registered nurses.
Nursing Assistant Salary Information:
The salary prospects of the assistant nurses are pretty good, given the fact that the eligibility criteria does not require intense formal training. Certified Nursing assistants can earn anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000. The upper limit is achieved with the increase in nursing experience. The salary also varies from State to State as some cities have a higher cost of living index in comparison to others.
Nursing Assistant Education Requirements:
Formal training in the field of nursing is a must and currently, only a few colleges offer full time degree courses for a nursing assistant. After completing bachelors, preferably in Science, a candidate aspiring to become a nursing assistant can complete diploma courses or undergo training in the relevant field. Red Cross and Military establishments also teach the essential functions of a nursing assistant and organize special training programs. They can add on to their resume and enhance their chances of success by completing Certified Nursing Assistant programs and training.
Nursing Assistant Work Environment:
Nursing assistants work under different medical conditions such as hospitals, clinics, military hospitals, ambulatory nurses and sometimes as residential nurses. Their work involves looking after the needs of the patient, feeding them, bathing them, helping them move about, take their health statistics, answer the intercom and a host of other activities.
Sometimes, especially during the times of conflict and epidemic, the work becomes quite stressful as the ratio of patients to the nurses increases considerably. In any case, the nursing assistants have to maintain a cool, calm disposition and not wince or panic at the sight of injury or blood.
The healthcare sector is poised to grow at the rate of 15 percent per annum, leading to an increase in the demand for professional and certified nursing assistants. As in addition to the formal certification and training, the assistant nurse must be of a sympathetic nature and have good people skills while discharging their duties and dealing with their patients. |
