What is one key role of a nursing assistant in patient care?

A key role of a nursing assistant in patient care is to support nursing staff by carrying out basic patient care tasks. Nursing assistants are vital members of the healthcare team, tasked with providing direct support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. This support includes helping with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility, effectively enhancing the overall patient experience and contributing to their comfort and well-being.

While nursing assistants play a crucial role in patient care, they do not perform complex medical procedures such as those required by licensed healthcare professionals. They also do not make independent medical judgments as those decisions are reserved for qualified nursing staff who have the training and expertise necessary to assess medical conditions. Additionally, conducting patient admissions typically involves more administrative and nursing responsibilities that are not within the nursing assistant's scope of practice, where their focus is primarily on hands-on patient care. Thus, the role of a nursing assistant is foundational in supporting nursing staff through fundamental patient care duties.