Nursing Aides provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. They are also known as nursing assistants. Nursing aides work in all types of healthcare facilities, from hospitals and private clinics to nursing homes, hospices, assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings. While their specific tasks may vary depending on their settings, in general, nursing aides help patients with tasks such as bathing, dressing, skin care, feeding and toileting assistance. There is a great demand for nursing aides, especially in facilities that are geared for seniors.
This is an entry level position. To become a nursing aide you must complete a state-approved program that focuses on the basic principles of nursing. Most healthcare facilities require all newly hired nursing aides to undergo a period of on-the-job training to familiarize themselves with their policies and procedures. This is a physically and emotionally demanding job as you are continuously interacting with sick and ailing patients. Spending the entire shift on your feet is not unusual.
At the interview for a nursing aide role, the interviewer will ask you questions to assess whether or not you know what the job entails and whether you have what it takes to handle the rigors of the job. Be prepared to answer questions such as what are your strengths as a nurse and what weaknesses do you think you need to overcome while working in this capacity. For a successful interview, your answers must demonstrate your proficiency and your caring nature. At mock interview questions you can find some of the most commonly asked questions at interviews for nursing aides. Going through these questions will help you be better prepared for your upcoming interview.