Occupation AtlasNursing Assistants

O*NET · 31-1131.00

Nursing Assistants

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

Also called Birth Attendant · CENA · Certified Medication Aide (CMA) · Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) · Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) · Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) · Certified Nursing Attendant (CNA)
57 more

Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) · Clinical Assistant · CMA · CNA · Competency Evaluated Nurse Aide (CENA) · CRMA · First Aid Attendant · Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) · Gericare Aide · GNA · Health Aide · Health Care Aide · Health Care Assistant · Health Service Worker · Hospice Aide · Hospice CNA · Hospice CNA (Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant) · Hospital Aide · Hospital Attendant · Hospital Corpsman · Infirmary Attendant · Inpatient Nursing Aide · Institutional Aide · Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) · LNA · Long Term Care CNA · Long Term Care CNA (Long Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant) · Med Surg CNA · Med Surg CNA (Medical Surgical Certified Nursing Assistant) · Med Tech · Med Tech (Medication Technician) · Medication Aide · Nurse Aide · Nurse Assistant · Nurse Sitter · Nurse Technician · Nurse's Assistant · Nurses' Aide · Nursing Aide · Nursing Assistant · Nursing Attendant · Nursing Care Attendant · Nursing Home Aide · Nursing Technician · Patient Care Assistant (PCA) · Patient Care Associate · Patient Care Technician (PCT) · Patient Sitter · PCA · PCT · QMA · Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) · State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) · STNA · Ward Aide · Ward Attendant · Ward Helper

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code SRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Personal Care Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SRCSocial · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social5.70
  • R Realistic4.58
  • C Conventional4.24
  • I Investigative2.72
  • E Enterprising1.77
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma3%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent39%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate24%
  • Some College Courses12%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
  • Bachelor's Degree6%
  • Master's Degree3%
  • First Professional Degree4%
Related work experience
None (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (62%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (60%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Service OrientationImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
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Tasks

26 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Turn or reposition bedridden patients.Importance 4.8
  2. Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.Importance 4.7
  3. Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.Importance 4.6
  4. Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.Importance 4.6
  5. Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.Importance 4.5
  6. Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.Importance 4.5
  7. Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.Importance 4.5
  8. Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.Importance 4.5
  9. Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.Importance 4.4
  10. Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.Importance 4.4
  11. Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.Importance 4.4
  12. Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.Importance 4.4
Show the other 21
  1. Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.Importance 4.4
  2. Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.Importance 4.4
  3. Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.Importance 4.4
  4. Change bed linens or make beds.Importance 4.3
  5. Prepare or serve food trays.Importance 4.3
  6. Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.Importance 4.3
  7. Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.Importance 4.2
  8. Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.Importance 4.1
  9. Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.Importance 4.1
  10. Record height or weight of patients.Importance 4.1
  11. Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.Importance 4.1
  12. Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.Importance 4.0
  13. Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.Importance 3.9
  14. Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.Importance 3.4
  15. Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.Importance 4.6
  16. Set up treating or testing equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (x-ray) equipment, or overhead irrigation bottles, as directed by a physician or nurse.Importance 4.4
  17. Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.Importance 4.1
  18. Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.Importance 4.0
  19. Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.Importance 4.0
  20. Explain medical instructions to patients or family members.Importance 3.8
  21. Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.Importance 3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 2.8
  • English LanguageImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.0Level 2.9
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  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • TransportationImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • MechanicalImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Food ProductionImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • ChemistryImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • PhysicsImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.7Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Static StrengthImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
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  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • StaminaImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
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  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 2.7
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 2.6
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 2.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Working with ComputersImportance 3.1Level 2.8
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 2.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.5
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.4
  • Physical Proximity4.4
  • Spend Time Standing4.4
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.4
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.3
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.2

Technology

18 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Apache Spark
  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (11)
  • Billing software
  • FaceTime
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Health information database software
  • Medical condition coding software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Medical record charting software
  • PointClickCare healthcare software
  • Telemetry software
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.