Nursing Assistants (NAs)

 

Nursing Assistants are essential members of the health care team, providing routine direct and indirect patient care in a hospital, clinic or home health care setting. Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or physician, Nursing Assistants provide direct personal care to patients, assist patients with activities of daily living, measure and record vital signs, height and weight, specimen collection, provide catheter care, obtain capillary blood glucose checks, and assist with range of motion exercises. They collect data and document patient information obtained while providing care and promptly report significant changes in the patient's condition to a RN/LPN. Nursing Assistants also provide indirect care by maintaining a clean work area, changing linens, re-stocking supplies, cleaning/sterilizing instruments, transporting patients/ supplies/ specimens, and assisting in the orientation of new employees and students. Nursing Assistants assist licensed health care providers with routine examinations and procedures, procure equipment and supplies, and reinforce routine teaching given to patients by the registered nurse or physician.