What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?

nursing assistantA nursing assistant is often called a certified nursing assistant, or CNA. This is a job that is focused on the patient, so you will be working with people in need of care in medical settings. Some assistants work in patient’s homes, or in other settings to provide patients with the care that they require to be healthy.

Your Job Duties

As a nursing assistant, you will provide a support system for the registered nurses and physicians in your medical facility. For example, you may work to help patients with basic grooming and hygiene needs, or provide medication on schedule. The job is actually very diverse, and includes a wide range of activities that help the patient feel their best throughout the day.

Some nursing assistant professionals work in patients homes, as well. This is a job that allows you to have a flexible schedule, but also allows you to help people in need of care. If you are working in a medical facility, you may also help patients by providing health care tips and instructions as provided by the physician in charge of the patients care. There is really no limit to the types of activities that you complete each day.


As a nursing assistant, you will need to have some basic training. Some medical facilities provide training in exchange for your services, but there are also colleges that offer assistant training. The program will teach you some basics in patient care, and provide you with training based on state laws. For example, some states don’t allow nursing assistant students to give medication to patients directly.

Your training will allow you to serve your patients to the best of your ability, and allow you to meet all local and state requirements for nursing assistant training.

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