Assistant nurse

JOB

The work of a nursing assistant involves the supervision and care of individuals and families in healthcare institutions or homes. The work is varied, from providing support and encouragement for daily activities to nursing very sick individuals in specialized wards. Assistant nurse is a legally protected job title.

In the work of nursing assistants, common workplaces are hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare institutions. Nursing assistants participate in interdisciplinary teamwork regarding nursing and treatment, interact with different individuals in a variety of situations, and need to be able to assess the physical, mental, and social condition of individuals and families in consultation with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Main tasks

• assisting and guiding patients in daily activities and rehabilitation
• monitoring and preventing complications from patients being bedridden
• overseeing the care of specific patients
• guiding assistants regarding care
• education on recovery, health promotion and resources in the health system

Competence requirements

Nursing assistants must have knowledge of nursing and care work and be able to justify the treatment that is performed at any given time. The condition of patients is assessed in collaboration with other healthcare professionals and it is therefore important to be able to communicate with different individuals with different needs and participate in interdisciplinary collaboration in the workplace. It is important to have computer skills for recording and storing information and to be able to provide first aid in the event of an accident or mishap.