What does an assistant in nursing do?
Assistants in nursing work in a variety of healthcare settings, including aged-care homes, hospitals and other facilities. They work with registered nurses to improve patient welfare and comfort and to assist in the implementation of their treatment regimes. Specifically, they assist patients with their personal care and hygiene needs and provide mobility support when required. Under the supervision of registered nurses, they also administer basic medicines and assist with rehabilitation as part of patient treatment plans. Assistants in nursing maintain patient records and cultivate strong relationships with their patients through effective communication and empathy.
Assistant in nursing skills and qualifications
Successful assistants in nursing should at least have graduated from high school and obtained a minimum of a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance or related field of study. As a core part of a patient’s health team, they should be adept at working with others as well as providing compassionate support to patients. Communication skills are a high priority, as is diligent record-keeping and a keen eye for detail. Other skills and qualifications include the following:
- Able to communicate clearly in English
- Effective interpersonal skills and warm bedside manner
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Eye for detail to spot changes in patient condition
Assistant in nursing experience requirements
As an assistant in nursing is generally an entry-level role, prior work experience is not usually required. Graduates will generally receive on-the-job training from senior nursing staff until they are comfortable carrying out their duties on their own. The exception to this may be for positions responsible for patients with multiple, complex or challenging conditions. In this case, assistants in nursing with at least a year’s experience may be preferred.
Assistant in nursing education and training requirements
Assistants in nursing are required to hold at least a Certificate III level qualification in a relevant field of study. These could include a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance or a Certificate III in Aged Care.
Undergraduate students currently undertaking studies in nursing or health may also be able to work as an assistant in nursing while they are studying, though this is not a requirement.
Assistant in nursing salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an assistant in nursing is $67,599. Actual salaries can vary depending on location, candidate experience , position seniority and the specific organisation.
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Assistant in nursing job description FAQs
What’s the difference between an assistant in nursing and a registered nurse?
Registered nurses complete further study than assistants in nursing and are more qualified to treat patients. They take greater responsibility for a patient’s care and typically supervise assistants in nursing to carry out that care. Assistants in nursing are not qualified to care for patients without the supervision of a registered nurse.
What makes a good assistant in nursing?
Bedside manner is crucial for a good assistant in nursing. As the role requires that they spend a lot of time with patients, they must be consistently supportive, compassionate and empathetic. This extends not only to patients, but to their families as well, and can make a big difference in patient treatment outcomes.
What are the challenges of the assistant in nursing position?
Assistants in nursing typically work long hours and have to juggle multiple patients, some of whom can at times be demanding. This, combined with the inevitability of occasional sad outcomes for patients, means that assistants in nursing can be at risk of burnout if they do not have the appropriate support available to them.
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