Nursing Assistant

A Nursing Assistant assists in the care of patients under the direct supervision of licensed health professionals. They work as members of the nursing team in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes and a variety of other settings.

Tasks

• Answer patient’s call lights;
• Deliver messages; serve meals; make beds;
• Help patients eat, dress and bathe;
• Provide skin care to patients;
• Take patients’ temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and blood pressure;
• Help patients get in and out of bed and walk;
• Escort patients to operating and examining rooms;
• Keep patients room neat;
• Set up equipment, store and move supplies, or assist with some procedures;
• Observe patients' physical, mental and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.

Basic Educational Requirement

The basic educational requirement is an Associate degree consisting of a two year course where practical nursing orderly program is supervised by a licensed health professional. Some employers may also require completion of specialized courses such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid and food handling/sterile processing.

Skills and Competencies

• Good at communication skills, both oral and written;
• Strong interpersonal skills as they work with persons who need extensive personal care;
• Flexible and have a keen eye for detail;
• Ability to strictly follow instructions.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Physically fit as he/she spends many hours standing and walking, moving patients in and out of the bed or helping them stand or walk, and often face heavy workload;
• Tactful, understanding, emotionally stable and dependable, honest and discreet and have a desire to help people;
• Able to work as part of a team;
• Must observe hygiene and good grooming at all times.

Salary/Compensation

A salary grade of 4 (P6,522) for government hospitals and other public health agencies, while salaries for entry-level nursing assistants in private hospitals range from P7,000 to P8,000 per month.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Opportunities for advancement within this occupation is limited. To enter other health occupations, nursing assistants generally need additional formal training. Experience as an aide can also help individuals decide whether to pursue a career in the health-care field.

Employment Opportunities

The second biggest requirement in the health service sector is nursing assistants with the demand coming mostly from private hospitals and health facilities that are available nationwide.

The overseas market will continue to be a source of employment for Filipino health workers due to the aging population of developed economies.

Cost of Education *

Ranges from P45,000 to P75,000 for a two-year course in Practical Nursing.

Schools/Vocational Institutes Offering Course

• Asian Caregiving and Technology Education Center, Inc.
  A & A Bldg., 120 cor. P. Serrano & P. Jacinto Sts., Caloocan City
• Asian Institute of Health Care, Inc.
  922 EDSA, Quezon City
• Asian College of Science & Technology (ACSAT)
  1013 Aurora Blvd., cor. J.P. Rizal St., Quezon City
• 5EA Training & Development Center
  Monarch Commercial Arcade, Ortigas Ave., Ext. Cainta, Rizal
• St. Augustine School of Nursing
  AMA Educational System
  59 Panay Avenue,
  Quezon City
• Care Verse Learning Center
  134 2F M. Almeda St., Pateros, Metro Manila
• Center for Health and Social Servicescare Professions
  Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• Center for Healthcare Professions
  Soriano Commercial Bldg., Mabini St., Poblacion, San Pedro, Laguna
• Center for Healthcare Professions - Manila, Inc.
  2nd Floor Tayuman cor. Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila
• Christ the King College
  Calbayog City
• Colegio de San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila
  Catarman N. Samar
• Colegio de Santa Rita de San Carlos
  San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
• Facilities Management Academy, Inc.
  U-Bix Cmpd., East Service Rd., Muntinlupa City

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007-2008