Nurse Aides
Description OES Code: 660080
Work under the direction of nursing or medical staff to provide auxiliary services in the care of patients. Perform duties such as answering patient's call bell, serving and collecting food trays, and feeding patients.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.57
25th Percentile $8.06
50th Percentile $9.41
75th Percentile $11.08

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.57
25th Percentile $8.29
50th Percentile $9.57
75th Percentile $10.77

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Nurse Aide might work day, evening, or night shifts at Hospitals and nursing homes. They also work on weekends and holidays, but most full time aides have a regular shift and work from 32 to 40 hours a week. Part-time schedules are also available.

Fringe benefits for permanent employees normally include health insurance, sick leave, paid holidays and vacations.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 88,500
Projected Employment 2008 107,900
Percent Change 1998-2008 21.9%
Separations 1998-2008 13,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 1,980
Projected Employment 2006 2,300
Percent Change 1999-2006 16.2%
Separations 1999-2006 210

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most facilities are well lit, air-conditioned, and have modern equipment. Employers provide or pay for uniforms and supplies. Nursing Aides and Orderlies walk or stand most of the day. They must take precautions to guard against back strain from lifting patients and equipment, exposure to radiation and caustic chemicals, and catching diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Using proper safety procedures reduces personal risk. The work is emotionally and physically demanding, but can be satisfying to those who value assisting people in need.

Advancement
Nurse Aides jobs are entry level jobs in the nursing field. There is no formal line of promotion, but with additional training and schooling, the aide can work in a specialty area such as pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, medicine, obstetrics, orthopedics, and psychiatry.

Many employers encourage career advancement by giving training within the facility and by offering flexible work schedules to make formal classroom study easier. Aides can also get their Bachelor's degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse if they enjoy the field of healthcare.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Some employers recruit Nurse Aides in high schools and colleges. Trained workers may apply directly to local hospitals, nursing homes, civil service agencies, private employment agencies, Nurses Registries, and register with the California Employment Development Department. Other sources include the classified ads of local newspapers or medical publications.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Nurse Aides are hired on a combination of experience, training and certification. A high school diploma is required. Experience is preferred, but most employers are willing to train. Nursing homes and convalescent centers providing personal care prefer to hire Aides having up to six months experience but will consider mature applicants and train them on the job. Formal training usually lasts one to nine weeks under close supervision of a general duty nurse or licensed practical nurse. Medical corps experience in the armed forces is considered appropriate.

Extended care and skilled nursing facilities require at least six months experience in a similar facility, completion of a formal nursing course in community college or hospital affiliated school, and participation in a State approved work study program leading toward certification as Nursing Assistant.

Training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, consists of 100 hours of clinical practice and 50 hours of classroom instruction. Acute care hospitals require high school graduation, six months to one year experience, and certification appropriate to extensive medical treatment.

Skills & Other Requirements
Most government agencies require candidates to pass a written and oral test. A medical exam is required by most employers. Necessary personal qualifications include verbal ability, dependability, good judgment, tact, emotional stability, and the ability to work with others. Uniforms and supplies are provided or paid for by the employer. Nurse Aides must be able to follow orders and cooperate with other members of the health team.

References
California Occupational Guide: #442

Related Occupations: Licensed Vocational Nurses

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)