June 9, 2016, is the beginning of the 39th annual National Nursing Assistants’ Week! Each year, a week is set aside to acknowledge the nursing assistants who have dedicated their lives to the well-being of others. Nursing Assistants play a primary role in the healthcare field by providing direct patient care. They are the backbone of patient care and are a vital part of the daily operations of hospitals and nursing care facilities. We, at Dorsey Schools, invite you to join us in recognizing Nursing Assistants for their hard work and dedication to their patients and the healthcare field as a whole.
What does a Nursing Assistant do?
A Nursing Assistant, which may also be referred to as a Nurse’s Aide, is responsible for providing basic care to patients and assisting them in their day to day activities. Nursing Assistants are often the primary caregivers and may have more contact with residents than other staff members. Because they tend to interact so closely with patients, Nursing Assistants may develop close relationships with residents. The general duties of a Nursing Assistant include:
- Cleaning and bathing patients or residents
- Helping patients use the toilet and dress
- Repositioning and transferring patients between beds and wheelchairs
- Listening to and recording patients’ health concerns and reporting that information to nurses and doctors
- Measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
- Serving meals and helping patients eat
- Transporting patients to operating rooms or treatment units
- Setting up equipment at a nurse or doctor’s request
Where do Nursing Assistants work?
The role of a Nursing Assistant can be an extremely rewarding career in a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment of Nursing Assistants is projected to grow 18% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.* In the state of Michigan, Nursing Assistant employment is projected to grow 12.5% from 2012 to 2022.** Because of this, there is no shortage of workplace opportunities. Nursing Assistants may also go on to pursue certification to strengthen their credentials. They may also be found working in residential care facilities and with home healthcare service providers
How to become a Nursing Assistant
In order to become a Nursing Assistant, you must complete an education program which teaches the basic principles of providing patient care. These programs can be found at vocational and technical schools, as well as other locations.
Patient Care Technician Training at Dorsey Schools
Dorsey Schools offers a Patient Care Technician training program. Graduates of the Patient Care Technician program may go on to pursue a variety of roles and employment opportunities within the healthcare field, including but not limited to the role of a Nursing Assistant.
Dorsey Schools is a career training school that aims to prepare individuals for promising opportunities. Our goal at Dorsey Schools is to provide our students with the building blocks which may allow them to excel in their new chosen field. Our Patient Care Technician diploma program at Dorsey Schools provides classroom instruction and practical hands-on experience that will allow students to learn the necessary skills to work as a Patient Care Technician.
Training in this program includes:
- Developing the skills that are necessary to provide quality patient care in a variety of medical settings
- Training in infection control, pharmacology, and procedures for administering medications.
- Exposure to the structures of the body, common diseases, treatments, and laboratory tests and coverage of medical terminology.
- An externship with a local hospital, physician’s office, long-term care facility, acute care setting, or another medical facility
Interested in learning more about Dorsey Schools?
Give us a call at 888-422-1188 or Request Info Online
Patient Care Technician Program – Gainful Employment Disclosures
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the program, and other important information, please click here.
Sources:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm (visited May 19, 2016)
** Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Long-Term Occupational Employment Projections (2012-2022) Michigan Statewide, Nursing Assistants (SOC Code: 31-1014), http://milmi.org/admin/uploadedPublications/2350_LongTerm_OccupationalProj_2022_MI.xls (visited February 15, 2016).
