In addition to providing care to patients/residents, nursing aides often have to talk with stressed out, and sometimes demanding, family members. How do you approach offering support to family members?

"Each family has a different dynamic. A skilled nursing aide tries to recognize the specific personalities of those for whom she is caring, as well as those of the loved ones. When time allows, I try to visit with the family members of my patients so that they know who is caring for their loved one and begin to build rapport with them. Having a good relationship between care providers and family members usually has a positive effect on the patient."

Patients in a hospital or nursing home are often facing uncertain outcomes. Family and patient supporters are naturally concerned and often anxious. Communicating your compassion and knack for comforting others will show an interviewer how well-rounded you are as a nursing aide.

"Caring for family members often requires as much patience as caring for our patients. They are naturally afraid of a possible difficult outcome with regard to their loved ones. I always try to speak kindly and offer time to answer questions and give family members an opportunity to talk about what concerns them. While every day does not offer as much free time as others, a few minutes can often make a big difference to a concerned family member."