Nursing Assistant

Roles and responsibilities

A Nursing Assistant (also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or similar titles depending on the country) plays a crucial role in healthcare by providing essential care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Below are the key skills, responsibilities, and requirements for a Nursing Assistant:

Key Skills for a Nursing Assistant

1. Patient Care
   • Assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming.
   • Monitoring patients' comfort and providing emotional support.
2. Communication Skills
   • Reporting patient concerns and observations to the nursing staff.
   • Communicating clearly and compassionately with patients and families.
3. Observation Skills
   • Monitoring vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature).
   • Recognizing changes in a patient’s condition and reporting them promptly.
4. Physical Stamina
   • Lifting or transferring patients safely.
   • Standing or moving for extended periods during shifts.
5. Time Management
   • Prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
   • Ensuring timely assistance to multiple patients.
6. Compassion and Empathy
   • Providing care with kindness and patience.
   • Supporting patients emotionally, especially in challenging situations.
7. Technical Proficiency
   • Familiarity with basic medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, lifts, thermometers).
   • Understanding hygiene and infection control protocols.
8. Teamwork
   • Collaborating effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff.
   • Assisting in team tasks during emergencies or heavy workloads.
9. Problem-Solving
   • Addressing minor patient needs independently.
   • Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as falls or sudden illness.
10. Attention to Detail
    • Ensuring accuracy in documenting patient information.
    • Following care plans and procedures carefully.

Desired candidate profile

Work within a patient care team supporting Registered Nurses in the delivery of outpatient patient care. Perform supervised patient care activities according to policies and procedures of the hospital.

• To deliver quality patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in collaboration with the multi-professional team according to set clinical standards and relevant legislation.
• Assists the nurse when measuring and recording routine observations of temperature, pulse, blood pressure, weight, and urinalysis.
• Assist patients and chaperone whilst clinical examination/procedures are being undertaken.
• Maintains an effective rapport with patients, visitors, physicians, and other members of the hospital team.
• Escort patients to other wards and departments without direct supervision.
• Assists nurses and therapists in manual handling of patients.
• Supports the nursing staff by running errands where appropriate.
• Responsible for ensuring rooms are stocked with appropriate supplies.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to co-workers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensures the reporting of all adverse events, incidents, and near misses.
• Contributes to investigations of complaints and incidents when requested by senior staff.