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Nursing Assistant Job Description and Top Skills

Team Glider

Updated on January 6, 2024

Nursing Assistant Job Description and Top Skills

Team Glider

Updated on January 6, 2024

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What is a Nursing Assistant?

A certified or registered nursing assistant, also known as a nursing aide or nursing attendant, is a vital member of the healthcare team responsible for providing basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). They typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings where patient care is required.

Nursing Assistant Job Description

We are currently seeking compassionate and dedicated nursing assistants to join our team. The successful candidates will play a crucial role in providing direct care and support to patients, assisting with activities of daily living, and maintaining a safe and clean environment.

As a nursing assistant, you will work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive high-quality care and support. Your responsibilities will include assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, taking vital signs, and reporting any changes in patient condition to the nursing staff.

The ideal candidates will have a genuine passion for helping others, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

What does a Nursing Assistant do?

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Take and record patients’ vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
  • Assist with the transfer and transportation of patients to different areas within the facility.
  • Provide emotional support and companionship to patients.
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
  • Assist nursing staff with other tasks as needed.

How much do Nursing Assistants make?

The median annual salary for nurse assistants in the United States is $44,936, equating to an hourly rate of $21.60. Beginners typically earn around $31,200 annually, whereas seasoned professionals can earn as much as $124,876 per year.

Skill Requirements

TIP: Glider AI enables recruiters, staffing firms, and hiring teams to assess skills across technical and non-technical job roles, including high-demand healthcare roles. Use Glider AI Skill Intelligence Platform™ to understand soft skills, hard skills, interest in the job, and fit.

Qualitative Skill Requirements

  • Compassion: Nursing assistants must have a compassionate and caring nature, with a genuine desire to help others in need. Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals is essential for nursing assistants.
  • Attention to Detail: Nursing assistants must pay close attention to detail to ensure that they provide accurate and thorough care to patients.
  • Physical Stamina: Nursing assistants may be required to lift, move, or assist patients who have limited mobility, so physical stamina and strength are important.
  • Teamwork: Nursing assistants must be able to work collaboratively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients. Formal Education and Training
  • Ethics: Nursing assistants must maintain ethical standards in their work. They should be able to maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of patients.
  • Cultural Competence: Nursing assistants nurses should be culturally competent and able to work with diverse populations. They should have an understanding of cultural differences and how they may affect healthcare practices.

Formal Skill Requirements and Credentials:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program.
  • Certification as a nursing assistant (CNA) or similar credential required by the state.
  • Continuing Education: Nursing assistants are often required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date on best practices in patient care.

Example KPIs for a Nursing Assistant

  • Patient Satisfaction: This KPI measures the satisfaction of patients and their families with the care provided by the nursing assistant.
  • Accuracy of Documentation: This KPI measures the accuracy and completeness of the nursing assistant’s documentation of patient care activities.
  • Attendance and Punctuality: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s reliability in reporting to work on time and attending scheduled shifts.
  • Adherence to Infection Control Protocols: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s compliance with infection control policies and procedures to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
  • Communication with Healthcare Team: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s ability to communicate effectively with nurses, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team.
  • Professional Development: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s participation in continuing education and professional development activities to enhance their skills and knowledge in patient care.
  • Patient and Family Engagement: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s efforts to actively engage patients and their families in the care process, fostering a supportive and collaborative healthcare environment.
  • Team Collaboration: This KPI measures the nursing assistant’s ability to work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team, contributing positively to interdisciplinary care planning and coordination.

How can Glider AI help you with hiring a Nursing Assistant?

Glider’s recruitment platform is built on the mission of “competency over credentials”. This way, you can make the most of the hiring assessments through a structured and data-driven candidate evaluation process. Use Glider AI Skill-Intelligence™ to automate and accelerate recruiting quality healthcare talent in a MOBILE-FIRST, candidate-friendly experience.

Glider AI’s Unique Features

  • Verify Medical Licenses
  • Validate Hundreds of Medical, Clinical, and Technical Skills
  • Ensure Hiring Compliance
  • Conversational Chatbot for Talent Screening
  • Powerful candidate analytics
  • Streamline Healthcare Hiring with AI and Automation

Go ahead and spotlight your Nursing Assistant with Glider AI today!

Schedule a Demo or contact us at info@glider.ai

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