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A nursing assistant is responsible for providing patient care support services
under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider. Nursing assistants are also
known as certified nursing assistants, certified nurse aides, nurse aides, patient
care technicians, home health aides, orderlies, etc. Nursing assistants perform
many duties that assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing,
eating, and using the restroom. Assistants will take temperatures and blood
pressures, and perform general housekeeping duties such as making beds and cleaning
rooms. Nursing assistants must also report any emotional and/or physical changes
that a patient may exhibit to a nurse or physician. Jobs are numerous and can
usually be found in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice atmospheres.
In terms of education, this position requires a high school diploma or GED.
Most organizations either prefer or require nursing assistants to be state
certified, which may require an individual to attend a nursing assistant
program. Individuals interested in becoming certified should
contact the following organization for additional information on educational
courses and state testing:
Ohio Department of Health
Nurse Aide Unit
PO Box 118
Columbus, Ohio 43266
800-582-5908
614-752-9500
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