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The Main Responsibilities Of A Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistants aid nurses in providing quality care for patients and the elderly or handicapped. The job is very demanding in many respects, especially physically; however it is also an extremely rewarding and satisfying occupation. The prime responsibility of Nursing Assistants is to see to the comfort of the patients under their care. They are in touch with patients continually and as such are able to not only see to their patients’ physical needs but to also offer comfort, encouragement and support to those in their care.
Many of the tasks they perform revolve around making sure that their patients are comfortable and have all of their needs met. They will assist in serving meals, feeding, bathing, dressing and grooming patients. In some instances patients may need minimal help with these tasks, while in other situations they may need almost total assistance. Typically it is the Nursing Assistant who first responds to a patient’s call for help and they are usually the ones who encourage patients through some of their most difficult times such as immediately after an operation.
Another of their responsibilities is to ensure that a patient’s surroundings are kept clean and tidy. They make beds, take away dishes, and help patient’s change their clothing when needed. Having a high standard in this area helps patients tremendously, especially when in a situation where they cannot perform even the most simplest of tasks themselves. A Nursing Assistant will also help take a patient’s vital signs and in some instances help with medical procedures if legally permitted to do so. For example, they may help with changing dressings, give out medicine and give injections–although this type of medical intervention is only allowed in some states, and it may also be dependent on the amount of additional training or courses an assistant has taken.
Above all, they are responsible for improving the quality of life for those patients under their care. Oftentimes their interaction and insight into the lives of patients can help to ensure that they receive optimum care. They provide a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic listening ear. They often get to know their patient’s family and friends well and can also provide them with support during difficult or emotional times.