Nursing Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the role of a Nursing Assistant is vital now more than ever.

As the industry evolves, the demand for competent individuals who can provide essential patient care and contribute to the healthcare team grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a Nursing Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker exploring the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailored Nursing Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Nursing Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Nursing Assistants provide basic care to patients and assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own.

They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and often play a significant role in the patient’s daily health care routine.

The duties and responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating
• Helping patients to move around, including transferring them from beds to wheelchairs
• Monitoring and recording vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rates
• Reporting changes in patient’s condition or behavior to nursing staff
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients
• Assisting with medical procedures and treatments, such as wound dressing and medication administration under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Keeping the patient’s room tidy and changing bed linens
• Collecting samples for testing, such as urine or stool samples
• Assisting with patient’s exercise and physical therapy routines

 

Nursing Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Nursing Assistant to join our healthcare team.

The Nursing Assistant will be responsible for providing basic care to patients, assisting them with daily activities, monitoring their health condition, and reporting to the supervising nurse.

Our ideal candidates are patient, empathetic, have excellent communication skills, and are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitoring and recording patient vital signs
• Reporting any changes in patient’s health condition to the nursing staff
• Assisting with medical procedures and ensuring patient comfort
• Keeping patient rooms clean and sanitized
• Maintaining patient records confidentially and accurately
• Communicating effectively with patients, family members, and healthcare team
• Supporting the nursing staff and working as part of the team

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Nursing Assistant or similar role in healthcare
• Completion of a state-approved education program and passing of a competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Understanding of basic healthcare and hygiene standards
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Empathy and compassion for patients
• Physical stamina to lift and move patients as needed
• Current CPR certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nursing Assistant
• Work Environment: This position requires working in a healthcare setting. The work schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical demands include lifting and moving patients, standing for extended periods, and performing various medical procedures.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Nurse or Nursing Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $27,920 minimum to $38,807 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?

Nursing Assistants, often referred to as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), work in healthcare facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers.

They can also provide home healthcare.

They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Their primary role is to assist patients with their daily activities, which can include feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting.

Nursing Assistants also perform basic medical tasks such as taking vital signs, collecting specimens for testing, and monitoring patient health.

They may assist with medical procedures or therapies under the direction of a nurse or physician.

They are responsible for providing emotional support to patients, communicating their needs and concerns to medical staff, and maintaining a clean, safe environment for their patients.

In addition to these duties, Nursing Assistants often play a crucial role in observing and documenting changes in a patient’s condition or behavior, which can be essential information for the healthcare team.

They are often a patient’s primary caregiver and are instrumental in providing high-quality patient care.

 

Nursing Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient nursing assistant should have a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and healthcare knowledge, including:

• Strong communication skills to interact with patients, understand their needs and convey necessary information to other healthcare professionals.
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support to patients and their families, especially during stressful health issues.
• Physical strength and stamina to assist patients with mobility, transfer them between beds and wheelchairs, and stand for long periods.
• Observation skills to monitor and record patients’ vital signs, reactions to medications, and changes in their physical or mental status.
• Technical knowledge to assist with medical procedures, administer medications, and use healthcare equipment under the supervision of nurses or physicians.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks at once, such as caring for several patients and keeping accurate records of their medical histories and current conditions.
• Problem-solving skills to respond effectively in emergencies or when a patient’s health deteriorates.
• Patient care skills to assist with personal hygiene tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting, ensuring the dignity and comfort of the patient.

 

Nursing Assistant Experience Requirements

For entry-level nursing assistant positions, candidates typically need to have completed a state-approved education program which provides both classroom instruction and clinical training.

This usually includes around 75 hours of training, though this may vary by state.

During this training, nursing assistants gain hands-on experience in providing basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, and assisting with medical procedures.

This foundational experience is crucial for all nursing assistant roles.

Entry-level candidates may also gain additional experience through internships or part-time roles in healthcare settings, like nursing homes or hospitals.

Those with 1-2 years of experience may have honed their skills in specialized areas of care, such as geriatric, pediatric, or rehabilitation care.

They may have also gained experience in performing more complex tasks, such as administering medication under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Nursing assistants with more than 3 years of experience may have developed strong patient-care skills and a deep understanding of healthcare protocols and procedures.

They may also have experience in supervisory roles, coordinating the work of less experienced nursing assistants.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for advanced roles, such as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN), provided they pursue the necessary further education.

These roles require more advanced clinical skills and offer greater responsibility and autonomy in patient care.

 

Nursing Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Nursing Assistants typically need to complete a state-approved education program and pass a competency exam to become certified.

The primary education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a state-recognized nursing assistant program.

These programs are often offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and in some cases, high schools and hospitals.

Nursing Assistant programs usually cover the basics of patient care, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and medical terminology.

After completing the educational program, prospective Nursing Assistants are required to pass a competency exam which includes a written portion and a hands-on, practical portion to demonstrate skills learnt.

Once certified, Nursing Assistants must complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their certification.

Although not required, some Nursing Assistants may choose to pursue advanced certification in specialized areas of care such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or acute care.

Being compassionate, patient and physically fit are other necessary requirements to excel in this job role.

 

Nursing Assistant Salary Expectations

A Nursing Assistant can expect to make an average of $29,660 (USD) per year.

However, this wage can vary based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility they are employed by.

 

Nursing Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a nursing assistant need?

Nursing assistants should possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, their families, and medical staff.

They must have strong physical endurance as the job often requires lifting and moving patients.

Basic medical knowledge, understanding of hygiene and safety protocols, and technical skills related to patient care are also essential.

 

What are the educational requirements for a nursing assistant?

Nursing assistants typically must complete a state-approved education program and pass a competency exam to become certified.

Some states may also require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The education programs often cover basic nursing principles, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, as well as practical skills like patient care and communication.

 

What should you look for in a nursing assistant resume?

Look for certification as a nursing assistant from a state-approved program.

Check for any additional certifications that may be relevant, such as CPR or First Aid.

Work experience in similar settings, like hospitals or nursing homes, is also valuable.

Volunteers work or internships in healthcare can also highlight a candidate’s commitment to the field.

 

What qualities make a good nursing assistant?

A good nursing assistant should be patient and empathetic, as they will be dealing with people in vulnerable states of health.

They should be observant and detail-oriented to spot any changes in a patient’s condition.

Good communication skills are essential for interacting with patients and medical staff.

Also, they should have physical stamina for standing, lifting, and performing other physically demanding tasks.

 

Is it challenging to hire nursing assistants?

Hiring nursing assistants can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the job and the high turnover rate in the industry.

It’s important to offer competitive wages, supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth and development to attract and retain nursing assistants.

 

Conclusion

Voila!

Today, we’ve unraveled the complex world of a nursing assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about giving medications.

It’s about providing compassionate care, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive nursing assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of the bigger healthcare picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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