Nurse Assistant Jobs

Nurse assistant jobs is one aimed at giving premium support to the healthcare system. They work under the direction of registered nurses and other healthcare specialists, providing practical assistance and helping to ease the burden on busy healthcare units. Although they may be viewed as lower-level staff, their contributions to the medical system are invaluable and many health organizations have taken turns recognizing and appreciating their hard work and dedication.

Who is a Nurse Assistant?

Nurse Assistants are healthcare professionals responsible for aiding patients with their day-to-day tasks and activities, as well as carrying out various duties that are necessary to maintain the safety and overall health of patients.

Job description of a Nurse Assistant 

The main duty of a Nurse Assistant is to provide support and assistance to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals while working under their supervision.

Responsibilities of a Nurse Assistant

• Assisting patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

• Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.

• Under supervision, assisting with basic medical procedures such as dressing changes, catheterizations, and administering medications.

• Keep detailed records of patient information, including which is usually the medical history and any changes in the patient's condition.

• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients, and may spend a significant amount of time with them.

• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients may involve changing linens, emptying bedpans, and sanitizing equipment.

• Helping patients with mobility and exercise;  aiding them to walk or use a bedpan.

• Communicating with other members of the healthcare team to provide updates on patient status and coordinate care.

• Assisting with patient education.

Becoming a Nurse Assistant

To become a certified nurse assistant, you need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program and pass a competency exam or take nurse assistant courses. In Nigeria, nurse assistants are commonly called "Auxiliary Nurses" and after their training and certifications, they are hired by Federal, state, and local government health institutions. While you do not need a degree to become an Auxiliary nurse, you, however, need the following qualifications:

• At least five O'level credits including Maths, English, and any other science subject.

• Must pass the entrance examination of a particular training or technical school.

• Must be 18 years and above.

• Recommendation letter.

Length/Duration of the course

The duration of an auxiliary nursing training program can vary depending on the training institution, but usually, the program lasts for about 2-3 years and you can get trained in any reputable hospital in Nigeria. However, taking courses online may not require a longer time than training centers.

Skills required of a Nurse Assistant

Vital signs measurement 

Measuring and recording vital signs can help nurse assistants identify any changes in a patient's condition and notify the healthcare team promptly if there are any concerns. Vital signs can include blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. These measurements are essential in assessing a patient's overall health and identifying any potential health issues. 

Catheterization

Nurse assistants may need to insert or remove a urinary catheter to drain urine from a patient's bladder. The catheterization procedure requires careful attention to hygiene and sterile technique to prevent infection and ensure patient comfort. Nurse assistants must ensure that the procedure is performed in a sterile environment and that they are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks.

Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for patient recovery and well-being; therefore, Nurse assistants should know about the different types of feeding methods, such as nasogastric tube feeding or intravenous feeding. They should be familiar with the use of feeding pumps and understand how to calculate and adjust feeding rates as directed by the healthcare team. 

Furthermore, nurse assistants should also be able to assist patients with eating and drinking as needed. This may involve helping patients with cutting food, opening containers, or positioning them for comfortable and safe eating.

Wound Care

Nurse assistants provide basic wound care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse to ensure that wounds on patients heal properly and do not become infected. This includes monitoring for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage, and reporting any concerns early enough.

Basic Life Support

Whenever there is an emergency, nurse assistants may need to respond quickly and provide life-saving interventions until the healthcare team arrives. Basic life support techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), can help sustain life and prevent further harm. A nurse assistant must have a thorough understanding of CPR techniques and be able to recognize when they need to be applied. 

Medical Record Keeping

Nurse assistants need to understand that maintaining patient privacy and security, and following all applicable laws and regulations related to medical record keeping is important.

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What differentiates a registered nurse from a nurse assistant? 

While both registered nurses (RNs) and nurse assistants (NAs) work in healthcare settings and provide care to patients, there are significant differences between the two roles in terms of job duties, education, and scope of practice. 

Education and Qualifications

Registered nurses have more advanced education and qualifications than nurse assistants. RNs must complete a nursing degree, which is usually a 5-year  program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license. Nurse assistants, on the other hand, generally complete a state-approved training program that can range from a few weeks to a few months in length and may require a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent.

Income

Registered nurses generally earn a higher salary than nurse assistants due to their higher level of education and more advanced skill set

Job Duties

Registered nurses have a broader scope of practice and are responsible for more complex patient care tasks, such as administering medication, developing care plans, conducting diagnostic tests, and providing patient education. The job of a nurse assistant, however, revolves around providing more basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and helping patients with mobility and hygiene. Also, While nurse assistants may work independently in some situations, they generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Salary of a Nurse Assistant

It's important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on the employer. Some employers may offer higher salaries or additional benefits; however, the average monthly salary of an auxiliary nurse in Nigeria is usually within the range of NGN40,000 - NGN 90,000.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse assistant, there are many job opportunities available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. To find nurse assistant job openings in your area, you can check Hubforjobs, which provides a comprehensive list of healthcare job opportunities you can explore.