Nursing
Nursing Assistant/Aide
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| Career data updated last on 10/25/2009 |
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Nursing aides, also known as nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, or hospital attendants, perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They answer patients’ call lights, deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and bathe. Aides also may provide skin care to patients; take their temperatures, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure; and help patients get in and out of bed and walk. They also may escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep patients’ rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, or assist with some procedures. Aides observe patients’ physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
Nursing aides employed in nursing care facilities often are the principal caregivers, having far more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Because some residents may stay in a nursing care facility for months or even years, aides develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way.
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| Salary |
$17,300-$23,850-$33,210
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| Significant Points |
Numerous job openings will result due to very fast employment growth and very high turnover.
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| Specializations |
- Home Health Aide
- Certified Nursing Assistant
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| Work Environment |
Nursing assistants and geriatric aides work in hospitals, nursing homes or other extended care facilities, doctor's offices or private homes. Home health aides work in the patient's home.
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| High School Prep |
High school diploma or equivalent is required. However, general college preparation is recommended: three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of a second language.
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| Academic Requirements |
There are different training requirements depending on the type of care, the complexity of the care and the overall condition of the patient. As the complexity of the care increases or as the setting changes, specialized areas of training such as home health aide and geriatric assistant are available. It is a Colorado state requirement that all long term care and home health aides performing health-related tasks must pass a competency evaluation test and be registered with the Colorado Board of Nursing.
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Colorado schools that offer degrees
and/or training
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Professional associations that support this field
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