Nurse Assistant

Career Guide
A Nurse Assistant supports nurses and helps patients with basic daily care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. The role focuses on comfort, safety, and observing patient needs, often serving as a key point of day to day contact for patients and families.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting
  • Help patients move safely, including transferring from bed to chair
  • Measure and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
  • Support safe eating and hydration, including feeding assistance when needed
  • Change bed linens and help keep patient areas clean and comfortable
  • Observe changes in patient condition and report concerns to the care team
  • Support mobility and basic exercises as directed by the care team
  • Document care tasks and observations accurately and on time
  • Follow infection prevention practices, including hand hygiene and cleaning protocols
  • Provide emotional support and communicate respectfully with patients and families

Top Skills for Success

Empathy
Clear Communication
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Teamwork
Patient Safety
Infection Prevention
Vital Signs Measurement
Safe Patient Lifting
Patient Observation
Care Documentation
Basic Nutrition Support

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Patient Care Technician
Medication Aide
Medical Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Transition Opportunities
Home Health Aide
Hospice Aide
Unit Clerk
Healthcare Support Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Care DocumentationDe escalationDementia CareInfection PreventionSafe Patient LiftingPatient Privacy Practices
Development SuggestionsAsk to shadow a strong peer for one or two shifts, practice documentation with a supervisor reviewing it, complete short courses in dementia care and conflict management, and refresh safety techniques regularly through skills labs and in service training.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level25,000 to 35,000 USD per year
Mid Level35,000 to 45,000 USD per year
Senior Level45,000 to 55,000 USD per year
Growth Trend
Strong and steady demand, driven by an aging population, ongoing staffing needs in long term care, and expanded home care services.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
HCA HealthcareAscensionKaiser PermanenteCommonSpirit HealthTenet HealthcareProvidenceTrilogy Health ServicesGenesis HealthCareAmedisysKindred at Home
Industry Sectors
HospitalsSkilled Nursing FacilitiesAssisted Living CommunitiesHome Health AgenciesHospice ProvidersRehabilitation CentersStaffing Agencies

Recommended Next Steps

1
Confirm local requirements for Nurse Assistant certification
2
Earn CPR certification if required by employers in your area
3
Build experience through clinical placements, volunteering, or entry roles in long term care
4
Create a resume that highlights patient care tasks, reliability, and teamwork
5
Prepare brief examples for interviews showing how you handle safety, difficult situations, and time management
6
Apply to roles across hospitals, long term care, and home care to increase opportunities
7
Set a learning plan to progress toward Patient Care Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse if desired