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Nurse Aides and Orderlies, also known as nursing assistants, assist in the care of nursing home and hospital patients under the direction of nursing and medical staff. 

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Nurse Aides and Orderlies may: 

Take and record patients' temperature, blood pressure, pulse and breathing rates 

Clean and shave hair from skin areas of patients scheduled for surgery 

Measure and record food and liquid intake and output 

Answer patients' calls 

Serve meals and feed patients who cannot feed themselves 

Bathe patients and aide them in other hygienic needs 

Move patients to treatment rooms and help them in and out of bed 

Make beds, except in nursing homes, perform other housekeeping activities to keep rooms clean 

Set up equipment such as oxygen tents, portable x-ray machines, and overhead irrigation bottles 

Set up bone fracture equipment and assist with casts and braces 

Maintain the supply of hospital linens 

Dress and undress patients and drape them for examinations 

Assist with examinations and in rehabilitations exercises 

Observe, record, and report patients' responses to care given 

Provide post-mortem care for patients who have died 

Take part in patient activity programs to promote socialization 

Maintain inventory by storing, preparing, sterilizing and issuing supplies such as dressing packs and treatment trays 

Perform clerical duties such as processing documents, scheduling appointments, answering phones and directing visitors 

Click here to watch a brief video of Nurse Aides at work.

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES 

Nurse Aides/Orderlies may specialize in these areas: 

355.674-014  CENTRAL SUPPLY NURSE AIDES clean, sterilize, store, prepare, and issue dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies. 

355.674-014  DELIVERY NURSE AIDES prepare patients for child birth and clean delivery rooms. 

355.674-014  SURGERY NURSE AIDES clean, sterilize, and assemble supplies and instruments used in surgery and maintain cleanliness of operating rooms. 

355.674-014  NURSE AIDES assist in the care of hospital patients, under the direction of the nursing and medical staff.

355.674-018  ORDERLIES care for hospital patients under the direction of the nursing and medical staff. 

355.674-014  NURSERY NURSE AIDES bathe, dress, weigh, and feed newborn babies. 

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

Nurse Aides and Orderlies work in nursing homes and hospitals as members of a nursing team under the direct supervision of a licensed health professional. They usually work indoors in clean, sanitary surrounding which are well lighted, and well ventilated. 

Unpleasant working conditions may include close contact with illness, pain, and death. Nurses Aides and Orderlies may be exposed to communicable diseases and infection. In their training, however, they learn correct procedures and safeguards against these risks. 

The work is active. Nursing Assistants are on their feet most of the time. Much of the work is repetitious, but the many patients bring variety to the job. Assistants may work in private homes and in some psychiatric settings where conditions may vary. 

The standard workweek for Nurses Aides and Orderlies is 40 hours. Since nursing care must be provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, work schedules can include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Many work part-time relieving full-time staff on their days off. 

Most Nurse Aides and Orderlies must wear some sort of uniform which are often provided free or purchased by the Aide/Orderly. 

Nurses Aides and Orderlies may join the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants. They may also join a variety of unions such as the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees or the Services Employees International Union. Union members are required to pay dues. 

You Should Prefer: 

• Activities involving direct personal contact to help people

• Activities of a routine, concrete, organized nature

You Should Be Able To: 

• Have agreeable working relations with others

• Work with people who are physically or emotionally ill

• Do a variety of tasks which may change often

• Accept responsibility and follow instructions

• Perform assigned tasks capably

• Work well under pressure in unexpected situations

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

What is the flow rate of IV infusions if: 

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend: 

If there is insufficient pressure of oxygen in the blood to load the hemoglobin molecules with oxygen, the content of oxygen falls. 

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Chart and record a patient's blood pressure. 

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate: 

Must demonstrate analytical skills and be able to understand and carry out requests of registered nurses and physicians. 

Those who wish to work for federal, state, or local health facilities are usually required to pass a civil service test. You may be required to pass a physical exam. Nurse Aides and Orderlies in nursing homes receive specialized training from the facility, and their competency must be verified by a registered nurse. Approximately half of the states have passed laws or regulations requiring Aides or Assistants to complete an approved course either before or within a certain time after starting work. Several states require Nursing Assistants to be certified. The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Nurse Aide, Certified for specific licensing information. 

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES   

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associates Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script: 

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY 

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***   

019   NURSING OCCUPATIONS CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs in Nursing Occupations Cluster prepare students to give direct nursing care under the supervision of a nurse or physician. Instruction includes a combination of classroom and supervised clinical experiences. 

The following courses may be required for completion of this program: 

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center. 

  HEALTH OCCUPATIONS EDUCATION

Approved vocational education programs in Health Occupations Education prepare students for miscellaneous occupations in the health field. Instruction includes assisting medical personnel by providing institutional support functions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, central supply, medical records, and the admission and discharge of patients. 

The following courses may be required for completion of this program: 

HEALTH CLUSTER 

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center. 

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS*** 

073   HEALTH AIDE TRAINING

Programs in Health Aide Training provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment assisting in the care of patients in hospitals, clinical settings, or in the patient's home. 

Training usually includes instruction in the following: 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan , they are limited in number. See the Sources of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. 

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check the Military web site at  http://www.todaysmilitary.com

The military provides medical care to all men and women in the services. Medical care technicians work with teams of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to provide treatment to patients. They help give patients the care and treatment required to help them recover from illness or injury. They also prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies in hospitals and medical clinics. 

What They Do

Medical care technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Provide bedside care in hospitals, including taking the body temperature, pulse, and respiration rate of patients

• Feed, bathe, and dress patients

• Prepare patients, operating rooms, equipment, and supplies for surgery

• Make casts, traction devices, and splints according to physicians' instructions

• Give medication to patients, under the direction of doctors and nurses

Physical Demands  

Some specialties in this area require sufficient strength to lift and move patients, and some require a normal skin condition to guard against infection. 

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful school subjects include general science, biology, and psychology. Helpful attributes include: 

• Interest in helping others

• Ability to work under stressful or emergency conditions

• Ability to follow directions precisely

Work Environment  

Medical care technicians work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals. 

Training Provided  

Job training consists of 7 to 52 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in patient care. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes: 

• Patient care techniques

• Emergency medical techniques

• Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment

• Plaster casting techniques

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. 

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian medical care technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, or physicians' offices. They perform similar duties to those performed in the military. They may be called nurses aides, orderlies, operating room technicians, orthopedic assistants, or practical nurses. 

Opportunities  

After job training, new technicians are assigned to hospitals and clinics, where they work under close supervision. In time, they may advance to supervisory positions and help train others.   The military provides medical care to all men and women in the services. Medical care technicians work with teams of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to provide treatment to patients.  They help give patients the care and treatment required to help them recover from illness or injury.  They also prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies in hospitals and medical clinics.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY 

Most nursing homes and hospitals welcome volunteer workers. There may be some part-time or summer jobs available in hospitals and nursing homes. Secondary education programs in the nursing or health occupations clusters and postsecondary health aide training programs may offer opportunities for experience. Military service also offers training in this field. Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Representative in your area if you would like more information. 

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

informal apprenticeships 

mentorships 

job shadowing experiences 

touring a local Nurse Aide/Orderly employer 

internships 

volunteer work with a Nurse Aide/Orderly employer 

community service work with an agency 

If you are interested in having a Nurse Aide or Orderly job, apply directly to private hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities or civil service offices. Assistance in locating jobs may be obtained from high school placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works!. Jobs are frequently listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings vary by institution, job duties, experience, and geographic area. Earnings tend to be higher in larger agencies and more populated areas. Nurse Aides and Orderlies employed full time by nursing homes and related facilities may earn less than those in hospitals earn. 

Nationally, Nurse Aides and Orderlies employed by hospitals and related facilities earned (mid 2007):  

The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $16.78 in 2006.

In Michigan hospitals, the hourly earnings (mid 2007) of Nurse Aides (nurse assistants) who have had some formal nurse's training were: 

The 2005 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who are working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $8.92 per hour in 2006. 

Some Nurse Aides and Orderlies receive extra pay for weekend and afternoon or evening shift work. 

Depending on the employer, Nurse Aides and Orderlies employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar institutions generally receive paid vacations and holidays; accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and sick pay. Workers employed in some facilities may also receive optical and dental insurance. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. In addition, some workers may receive free or low-cost meals, uniform laundry service, and tuition refunds for required professional advancement. 

Promotional opportunities for Nursing Assistants are limited unless they obtain further training and education. A few may advance to nursing-assistant positions with higher status, increased salaries, and additional fringe benefits after acquiring experience and demonstrating leadership qualities. In nursing homes, these positions may include rehabilitative aide, treatment aide, or charge aide. Some Nurse Aides and Orderlies may take college courses while working and become registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or health technicians. Some in-service programs allow Nursing Assistants to get additional training in these fields while they continue to work part time. 

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK 

Nationally, there were about 1,455,400 Nurses Aides and Orderlies employed in 2004. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. About 2.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Nurses Aides and Orderlies looked like this: 

To find employers, click  Employer/Business Locator.

Major reasons for the expected increase in the number of nursing assistants employed nationally are a growing population, including a larger proportion of elderly people, and the increasing demand for medical care. As the long-term care of the aged continues to shift from hospitals, more opportunities will occur in nursing homes and home-health agencies. 

There are about 50,100 Nurse Aides and Orderlies employed in Michigan. Most worked in the health services industry. 

Employment of Nurses Aides and Orderlies in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. There will be an average of 1,330 annual job openings for Nurse Aides and Orderlies, with 670 due to growth and 660 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. 

The increasing numbers of aged patients who require care in nursing homes and hospitals will contribute to the rapid growth rate of this occupation. However, as hospital beds are closed in an effort to reduce costs and as some hospitals move toward an all-licensed nursing staff, the demand for nursing assistants in hospitals may decrease.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOY MENT OUTLOOK TO 2014