Nursing Assistant

Nursing assistants provide basic care and help maintain a safe, clean environment for residents in healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes and adult day health centers. Since the nursing assistants have extensive daily contact with their clients, they are key in providing vital information on their condition and progress to the nursing and medical staff.

• Assisting with activities of daily living, to ensure the comfort, safety and health of patients (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, exercising, etc.).
• Taking basic measurements of vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure, etc.).
• Answering call bells or lights; escorting patients; making beds and maintaining personal belongings; configuring equipment; documenting residents' needs and progress, etc.

What is a Home Health Aide?

Many clients with long-term or life-threatening illnesses want to maintain their independent lifestyle by staying in their homes rather than residing in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility. Home health aides provide care to clients in private residences or residential care facilities by:

• Helping the client maintain activities of daily living
• Assisting with the client`s personal hygiene
• Managing the client`s household
• Preparing meals and providing light housekeeping services

Most home health aides work with elderly, convalescent or disabled persons who need more extensive care than the family or friends can provide.

The duties of nursing assistants and home health aides do not end with the physical needs of their clients. These are jobs that require compassion and a desire to make people feel comfortable and happy.

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