What is a Nurse Aide or Home Health Aide?
What is a Nurse Aide or Home Health Aide?
Entering into the healthcare industry can be an overwhelming process that very often requires long-term education commitments. However, becoming a nurse aide or home health aide decreases the amount of training needed before individuals can begin supporting patients as an integral role within the treatment team.
In this article, we’re going to cover the role nurse aides and home health aides play within the medical community, what they do, where they work, and how this role differs from a RN’s role.
Who Nurse Aides & Home Health Aides Are
Nurse aides and home health aides are trained to care for residents in long-term care facilities, though they can also work as in-home aides. These roles require individuals to be physically capable to transfer and care for patients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that employment of home health aides will grow 40% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Individuals who are humble, compassionate, and trustworthy make the best nurse aides and home health aides.
What Nurse Aides & Home Health Aides Do
Nurse aides and home health aides are trained in basic medical skills in addition to patient advocacy and safety. Training programs are typically six to eight weeks, offering students a chance to start their new career much faster than traditional four-year schools.
Upon graduation, nurse aides and home health aides are ready to help patients in these areas:
- Basic care to residents in long term care facilities.
- Communication skills for residents and their families based on sensitivity to the psychosocial needs of residents.
- Assisting residents in attaining and maintaining in a maximum functional independency.
- Supporting and promoting the rights of residents.
- Providing safety and preventive measures in the care of residents.
- Demonstrating skills in observing and reporting.
- Functioning effectively as a member of the health care team.
Once complete, nurse aides and home health aides are eligible to take the state Competency Exam for Nurse Assistants (NACES), which is required before they can step into their first job.
Where Nurse Aides & Home Health Aides Work
Once training and certification is complete, individuals can work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice, and transitional care units. This variety of positions means that it’s possible to find a role that fits your needs.
Nurse aides or home health aides can advance through additional training and skill advancement, as well as pursuing a leadership position within a home care facility.
For individuals looking to work directly with patients while coordinating with other medical professionals, becoming a nurse aide or home health aide is a fulfilling career opportunity. It offers an entrance into the healthcare industry in a shorter amount of time, offering an early start to a career. Whether you prefer to work in a facility or in a patient’s home, you have the opportunity to positively impact their lives.
For more information or to talk with a career counselor, click here.