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NURSING ASSISTANCE ... A CAREER TO
BE PROUD OF
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Nursing assistants are
key players in the lives of the people in their care. Each
day, more than 2.5 million caregivers provide hands-on
care to our nation’s frail, elderly, or chronically challenged
citizens in nursing homes and other long term care settings. And
the number is growing as an additional 700,000 new positions
will need to be filled in the next 25 years.
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These important
workers have various titles including: Nursing Assistants,
Direct Care Workers, Care Assistants, Home Care Assistants,
Caregivers, Hospice Assistants, Geriatric Aide/Assistants,
Resident Assistants, Personal Care Assistants, Restorative
Aides, Patient Care Assistants and others in nursing homes, home
care, hospice, LTC hospitals, prisons, MR Facilities, Workshops
and other long term care settings
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Nursing Assistants
provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by
residents and clients in long term care facilities.
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Because they "stay" in
care giving positions, Career Nursing Assistants provide
predictability and stability to care. This in turn enhances
the feeling of security for our aging, frail, or physically
challenged citizens. The following findings are from the "Stayers
Studies" (funded by the Administration on Aging, National
Institute on Aging, 1997-98):
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28% stay 5 or more years in positions as
nursing assistants |
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12.6% stay 10-55 or more years
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Stayers maintain positive relationships
with residents |
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Stayers value job security and peer
relationships |
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Stayers are considered to be health care
experts in their own families |
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The majority of Stayers had a positive
experiences with an older person early in life and this
factor contributed to their decision to become a nursing
assistants. |
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Career Nurse Assistants
bring wisdom, patience, humor, and a general attitude of
caring to the daily lives of these people.
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The Career Nursing
Assistant also provides a role model for new nursing
assistants and often recognized as the health care expert in
their own families.
RETURN TO TOP
THE
20-YEAR CLUB ... THE NURSING ASSISTANTS
HONOR SOCIETY
Nursing Assistants with
twenty or more years of service are invited to become members of the
National 20-Year Club, now in its 32nd year nationwide. The
20-Year Club is the Nursing Assistants Honor Society, which aims to
recognize and validate the caregivers who provide consistent long
term services to the people in their care over time. |
