The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO RESIDENTIAL CARE & NURSING ASSISTANT DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT RESIDENTIAL CARE & NURSING ASSISTANTS DO
Residential care & nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living, both in people’s personal homes and in care homes.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $30,720
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$40,320
2. New York
$38,810
3. Hawaiʻi
$37,710
4. California
$36,630
5. Minnesota
$35,150
Bottom 5 States
50. Louisiana
$22,540
49. Mississippi
$23,980
48. Alabama
$24,950
47. Arkansas
$25,950
46. Oklahoma
$26,030
STEPS TO BECOME A RESIDENTIAL CARE & NURSING ASSISTANT
As a residential care and nursing assistant, you will work under the supervision of licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and registered nurses.
To become a residential care and nursing assistant, you will need to complete a state-approved education program. In many states you will also need a state-issued license or certification.
Many residential care and nursing assistant programs take under a year to complete. You could earn additional credits during your course, such as to dispense medicine, but this also depends on the state. You then will need to take a competency exam in order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This title is used in some states and the title will vary, but the description of the certification will be very similar.
To work in a residential care home, you also will need to be placed on a state registry.
1. Enter a Residential Care Program
2. Take a Competency Exam for Certification
3. Get Placed on the State Registry
4. Find a Job as a Residential Care & Nursing Assistant
QUALITIES OF RESPIRATORY CARE & NURSING ASSISTANTS
Compassion
Residential care & nursing assistants help and care for people who are sick, injured, or need aid for other reasons. They need an empathetic attitude to do their work.
Physical Stamina
Residential care & nursing assistants spend much of their time on their feet. They must be able to perform tasks such as lifting or moving patients.
Communication Skills
Residential care & nursing assistants must listen and respond to patients’ concerns. They also need to share information with other healthcare workers.
Patience
Residential care & nursing assistants need patience to complete the routine tasks of cleaning, feeding, and bathing patients with professionalism.