Nursing assistants, or aides as they are sometimes referred to, are trained and educated to facilitate the work of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses by performing non-medical job duties such as feeding, bathing, and dressing patients who are otherwise incapacitated. Nurses' aides are also qualified to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate; they check patient calls to inform a nurse or other medical professional of any problems that need immediate attention; and they also can arrange such medical equipment as X-ray machines and I.V. bottles to be later implemented by nurses. Nursing assistants are employed in a wide range of health care environments, such as nursing homes, mental health facilities, home health providers, and can even be privately employed by individuals needing long-term nursing care.
If you are interested in becoming an assistant, you should be aware of certain perquisites that, while not necessary, are extremely helpful in becoming a certified nursing aide. Beginning in high school, you should try to take classes that support the field of nursing, such as biology, chemistry, and even computer and algebra skills. Once you have your high school diploma or equivalent, you can enroll in a program at a vocational school or community college. Nursing aide programs usually take six to eight weeks, during which time you will learn everything you need to know in order to pass the specific exam your state deems as a necessary aspect of becoming a fully certified nursing assistant.
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Presently, there is a high demand for nursing assistants, and the outlook for this occupation remains excellent. Experts predict a growth in this field of nursing from a 22% to 36% growth rate, which is correlated to the millions of senior baby boomers who will need care and long-term medical support in the future due to illnesses generated by the aging process.
After being certified as a nursing assistant, you will become a member of the Nurse Aid Registry, which is established in all fifty states and qualifies all nursing assistants as licensed professionals. The Nurse Aid Registry lists all addresses and phone numbers of certified nursing assistants and more importantly, keeps information regarding those nursing assistants who have been found guilty of infractions such as patient abuse, patient neglect, or other illegal activity involving their occupational duties. To be considered a member of the Nurse Aid Registry, you must be fingerprinted before receiving your license from the state where you graduated, along with a having completed background check performed and noted in your registry information.
The Board of Nursing is responsible for the final certification rulings of nursing assistants and also maintains the Nurse Aide Abuse Registry, where the board also controls the decisions regarding disciplinary actions against nurses accused of patient neglect or abuse. Being charged with patient abuse is a very serious charge and may result in having your license revoked or even jail time. As a result of such conduct, your future ability to practice as a nursing assistant would be severely, if not totally eliminated.
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