Nurse assistants provide personal care to patients under the supervision of nurses. The type of nursing care provided varies depending on the needs of the patient. In some cases, patients may be too ill or weak to perform necessary physical activities by themselves. For example, nurse assistants might help patients with eating and drinking at meal times or with personal grooming activities such as dressing, bathing, shaving and brushing their teeth. Some patients have problems with mobility and CNAs help them sit up, turn over, get out of bed, or walk.

Nurse assistants also monitor patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They may also help nurses and doctors care for patients by setting up equipment, sterilizing instruments, and stocking supplies. Other common tasks include changing bed linens, keeping patient rooms tidy, and delivering meals.

A large part of the nurse assistant’s job involves providing patients with company and encouragement. Patients can feel depressed or lonely, and nursing assistants may simply spend time chatting with them, listening to them and helping to raise their spirits. This type of emotional support can go a long way towards helping a patient feel better.

Working Conditions: Nurse assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Some work in private homes. Both full time and part time positions are available in this field. Those who work full time generally work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Because patients need round-the-clock care, nurse assistants often have to work evening and weekend shifts. The job is fairly demanding, and nurse assistants must be in fairly good shape.


Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class offering. Typically there is a morning class that meets 4 days a week for 8 weeks and is offered twice a semester. There are, however, alternate start dates and times for additional classes if faculty are available.