Hire Nursing Assistants
It is undeniable that doctors and nurses generally provide excellent care for their patients. They are usually highly regarded and recognized for their work in the field. However, a commonly underappreciated occupation in healthcare is the nursing assistant. Hiring a nursing assistant is critical as this professional sees to all of the needs of your patients.
While the hourly rate for this position is on the lower end for the healthcare industry (an average of $14.02 per hour), it is important to hire a careful and meticulous nursing assistant. This person will be spending a lot of time with patients and requires everything from physical strength to mental fortitude. What are some of the considerations to keep in mind before you hire one?
How to Hire A Nursing Assistant?
Whether you are hiring for your hospital, care facility, or in-home care, there are general requirements that you will need to look for in a nursing assistant. Some of the factors to consider are:
The job of a nursing assistant does not require a degree. However, there is a need for post-secondary training. Nursing assistants should have completed an accredited training program and passed the state exam.
The accreditation program usually takes between one to four months and involves practical and classroom teaching. Certified Nursing Assistants are listed on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Registry. You can hire one through an agency, by going through the CNA Registry, or through referrals.
The role of a nursing assistant does not usually require a lot of experience. The certified nursing programs would have given them in-person training, so you can be confident hiring someone fresh from the training program.
The registered nurses or licensed practical nurses they will be working with can put them through any on-the-job training necessary. However, if they will be working with special patients, or you are hiring one for home care, you might want to hire a nursing assistant with at least one year of experience.
The job of a nursing assistant is typically demanding and stressful. It requires long hours and constant activity. Therefore, you need to hire someone who loves their job and has an attitude of service to others. Since the person will be seeing to the needs of people in pain, you should hire someone compassionate and understanding. Nursing assistants should also be empathetic with a keen sense of observation.
What is Required of a Nursing Assistant?
Generally, a nursing assistant covers everything required for the basic care of their patients. They monitor vital signs and give the recommended medications. What a nursing assistant does differs based on the patient, environment, and experience level.
However, there are some basic tasks that a nursing assistant does in the daily care of their patients, including:
- Bathe or clean patients or residents
- Help patients to use the bathroom and dress
- Change bedding and maintain a hygienic surrounding
- Serve meals and assist patients in eating their food
- Move, reposition, or turn patients on seats, wheelchairs, or beds
- Measure vital signs like blood pressure and temperature
- Listen to patients’ health concerns and report same to a registered nurse or doctor
Skills and Qualifications of a Certified Nursing Assistant
Due to the nature of the work that nursing assistants do, there are certain skills and qualifications you should look for in any nursing assistant. These skills will help them carry out the work efficiently.
- Attention to detail
- Flexible work schedule
- Good knowledge of clinical skills
- Ability to lift patients
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Teamwork skills
- Able to follow instructions
These skills will ensure that the nursing assistant can adapt well to your work environment or home.
Hiring a nursing assistant shouldn’t be difficult. However, take care to ensure that you hire a nursing assistant with both a certification and potentially some work experience if you can’t take the time to guide the person. With the pandemic, there has been a spike in demand for health care workers. If you are having trouble finding a certified nursing assistant, you can go through the CNA Registry or an agency.
