Becoming a Nursing Assistant: How To Jumpstart Your New Career!

Travel nursing assistants are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing vital support to patients and medical staff in a variety of settings. With the opportunity to see new places and gain valuable experience, becoming a travel nursing assistant can be a fulfilling and exciting career choice. Whether you are looking for a new adventure or want to make a difference in the lives of others, becoming a travel nursing assistant may be the perfect fit for you. 

What Does a Nursing Assistant do?

1. Nursing assistants are responsible for providing direct patient care. This includes monitoring vital signs, changing bedding and assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.
2. They also document their observations about a patient’s condition in the medical record and communicate this information to the nursing staff.
3. Nursing assistants may also be responsible for dispensing medication, collecting specimens for laboratory testing, and answering patient call lights.
4. They transport patients to different areas of the hospital or nursing home

Reasons to Choose Nursing Assistant as a Career

There are many reasons to choose a career as a nursing assistant. Here are 6 reasons to get you started! 

1. Good pay

• Nursing assistants can earn a competitive salary and often receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

2. Job security

• The demand for healthcare professionals is growing rapidly and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

3. Flexibility

• Most nursing assistant positions offer flexible hours which allows individuals to balance their work and personal life.

4. Variety

• Nursing assistants are exposed to a wide variety of patients with different medical conditions and backgrounds, making the job interesting and rewarding.

5. Opportunity for growth

• Nursing assistant positions can lead to more advanced roles such as nurse practitioner or clinical supervisor.

6. Job satisfaction

• Helping others and making a difference in their lives

Becoming a nursing assistant is a great way to make a difference in people’s lives and be part of a rewarding, meaningful career. With the right education and training, nursing assistants can enjoy long-term success in the healthcare field.

​Requirements For Becoming a Nursing Assistant

There are a couple of important steps to becoming a nursing assistant. Here are some necessary details to complete as you get started!

1. High school diploma or equivalent

• Most employers require nursing assistants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED.

2. Certification

• Depending on the state, nursing assistants may be required to complete an approved certified nursing assistant program and pass a certification exam.

3. CPR certification

• All nursing assistants should be trained in basic life-saving techniques

4. Passing a background check

• Most employers require nursing assistants to pass a background check before they can be hired.

5. Passing the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam

• Prospective nursing assistants must take and pass the certified nursing assistant exam in order to be eligible for certification.

6. Obtaining certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid

• These courses can be completed in just about every part of the world and are available for everyone to sign up!

7. Maintaining continuing education credits

• To continue developing your career, there are more lessons and specializations to take. This may allow you to increase your pay and benefits as well!

By completing the steps listed above, individuals can become certified nursing assistants and begin to work in a variety of healthcare settings. With perseverance and dedication, a career as a nursing assistant can be highly rewarding and provide opportunities for growth in the healthcare field.

What Should You Learn Before Becoming a Nursing Assistant?

1. Anatomy and Physiology

• It is essential to understand the basics of anatomy and physiology in order to provide effective care to patients.

2. Health Care Terminology

• Learning the language of healthcare will help you effectively interact with other medical professionals.

3. Infection Control Practices

• Knowledge of infection control practices, such as hand washing, is essential for nursing assistants to prevent the spread of disease.

4. Communication Skills

• Good communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

5. Documentation Practices

• The ability to accurately document patient information is important for providing quality care and adhering to standards of practice.

6. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

• Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities, such as patient confidentiality, is essential for practicing nursing assistants.

By mastering these skills, individuals can ensure they have the basic knowledge needed to start a career as a nursing assistant and be successful in the healthcare field. With dedication and hard work, you can gain the necessary experience to move up in your career and

Conclusion

Becoming a nursing assistant requires dedication and hard work, but with the right training, anyone can become certified to provide quality care in a variety of healthcare settings. It is essential to understand the basics of anatomy and physiology, health-care terminology, infection control practices, communication skills, documentation practices, legal and ethical responsibilities, patient care procedures, basic first aid skills, time management skills, and supervision skills in order to be successful. With commitment and perseverance, you can begin your journey as a nursing assistant and have a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

References

1. ​Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, 2022 – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.html
2. 13 Pros and Cons of Being a CNA, 2022 – https://www.nursingprocess.org/cna-pros-and-cons.html
3. How to become a Nursing Assistant, 2022 – https://www.indeed.com/career/nursing-assistant/career-advice
4. ZipRecruiter, 2022. “What is a travel nurse assistant and how to become one.” – https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Travel-Nurse-Assistant/What-Is-How-to-Become.