Is a nurse's assistant job really gross?

Pediatric Nurse Assistant Job Description

• Answer:

  A nurse assistant, sometimes called a home health aide, nurse's aide or patient care technician, performs basic duties so nurses and doctors can focus on exams, surgery and consultations. A nurse assistant can help all types of doctors and nurses, from general practitioners to cardiologists to neonatal doctors. The role of a pediatric nurse assistant involves the set-up and break down of equipment in the pediatrician's office and a number of other activities that a pediatric supervisor deems necessary. A qualified pediatric nurse assistant earns a median salary of $26,409, according to Salary.com. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees excellent job opportunities for nursing assistants from now until 2018. Function A pediatric nurse assistant helps pediatricians and pediatric nurses treat and comfort children undergoing medical procedures, tests and evaluation. He must be serene and emphatic, with a good bedside manner to comfort young patients unfamiliar with medical procedures. The pediatric nursing assistant reports to the nursing supervisor or clinical unit manager for assignments. Nursing assistants help dress and groom patients, check supplies and schedules, and perform clerical and medical tasks as needed. Training and Certification To gain employment as a pediatric nursing assistant, a student must pass courses at an accredited school and receive a nursing assistant certificate. Many community colleges and trade schools offer two-year programs in the field. This results in a CNA (certified nursing assistant) designation for the student upon passing a state exam.(The test contents and other key details vary from state to state.) When considering nursing assistant programs, a prospective CNA should look at the school's additional courses and certification. Earning certificates in First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens (identification and treatment of infectious bloodborne diseases), CPR and other specialties will increase your employability. You must have nurse assistant certification in the state where you wish to practice. Internships A pediatric nursing assistant can participate in internships during her formal training. This prepares her for the reality of daily work in a hands-on medical environment. The internship may take place in a pediatric unit of a hospital or even in a school or day care center helping the staff nurse. On-the-job training in a medical center environment helping adults covers basic medical functions that also apply to young patients. Internships familiarize nursing assistants with everything from positioning bedridden patients safely to taking temperatures and administering medication under the direct supervision of a nurse or nurse practitioner. Day-to-Day Duties The duties of a nursing assistant depend on the number of patients his supervisor handles, and the facility rules. The assistant preps patients for tests, records weight and height, takes blood pressure, and transports wheelchair-bound children. She may provide instruments during exams and medical procedures, and obtain charts and other records for nurses and doctors when requested, answer phones and enter data in computers if office personnel are out sick or on vacation. Other Considerations Child psychology courses and experience teaching or babysitting children will help a pediatric nursing assistant understand a young patient's fears and reactions to a doctor visit. A sweet, calm disposition will put young patients at ease. This is no profession for a gruff person. A pediatric CNA position can be a good stepping stone to related jobs, such as pediatric nurse or nurse-practitioner.