Nurse aides provide most of the hands-on care in nursing facilities and hospitals. They work under licensed nurses and know residents better than anyone on the team.
Duties
Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility, vital signs, observation and reporting, and emotional support.
Settings
Nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living, home health and hospice.
Supervision
Licensed nurses direct care; aides follow the care plan and report.
Common mistake
Thinking the job is unskilled. Safe personal care requires knowledge, technique and judgment.
Key Takeaways
- Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility, vital signs, observation and reporting, and emotional support.
- Nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living, home health and hospice.
- Licensed nurses direct care; aides follow the care plan and report.
Check Your Understanding
Before moving on, explain in your own words the most important point from “What Nurse Aides Do” and name one situation in your work or family where you would apply it, and who you would report to or ask if unsure.
Action Step
List the tasks a nurse aide performs in a typical shift and mark which require specific training.
This course is educational only. It is not medical, nursing or legal advice, does not replace state-approved training programs, clinical supervision or employer policies, and does not issue any license, certification or credential. Scope of practice and training requirements vary by state; always follow the care plan, your supervisor’s direction and the current guidance of the licensed clinicians responsible for the person in your care. This program is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or accredited by any certifying body, exam provider or training organization; it makes no representation about exam content, pass rates or outcomes, and hands-on skills must be learned in an approved program under qualified instructors.