Nursing Assistants

About the Role

Nursing assistants provide basic patient care and assist nursing staff with daily activities in healthcare settings.

Other Common Titles

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Nursing Aide
  • Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
  • Healthcare Assistant
  • Personal Care Aide

Typical Tasks

  • Assisting patients with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, toileting)
  • Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse)
  • Helping patients with mobility and exercises
  • Feeding patients and ensuring proper nutrition
  • Assisting with medical procedures and equipment setup
  • Maintaining cleanliness and order in patient areas
  • Documenting patients' conditions and reporting changes to nursing staff
  • Providing emotional support and companionship to patients.

Notable People

  • Mary Eliza Mahoney The first African American woman to earn a nursing degree in the United States, she advocated for equality in nursing.
  • Clara Barton Founding nurse of the American Red Cross, known for her humanitarian efforts and the formation of nursing as a profession.

Recommended Resources

  • Fundamentals of Nursing

    A comprehensive textbook that covers essential nursing principles and practices.

  • Nursing Assistant Training Program

    Red Cross offers CNA training programs with resources for aspiring nursing assistants.

  • The Nurse Practitioner Podcast

    Podcast providing insights and advice for nursing roles, including nursing assistants.

  • Anna Quindlen's 'Nursing: A World of Care'

    An article discussing the impact and importance of nursing roles in healthcare.