SALARY: Grade 1: R157 761 – R175 728 per annum Grade 2: R184 026 – R205 281 per annum Grade 3: R216 876 – R264 948 per annum
CENTRE: Kuruman District Hospital (X1 Post) Tshwaragano District Hospital (X1 Post) Mecwetsaneneng Clinic (X1 Post)
REQUIREMENTS: Qualification that allows registration with the SANC as Nursing Assistant. Registration with SANC as Nursing Assistant. Experience: Grade 1: None after registration with the SANC as a Nursing Assistant. Grade 2: A minimum of 10 years’ experience after registration with the SANC as a nursing assistant. Grade 3: A minimum of 20 years of experience after registration with the SANC as Nursing Assistant.
DUTIES: Assist patients with daily activities. Provide elementary clinical nursing care. Maintain professional, ethical growth and seek self-development. Assist in the management of material resources.
ENQUIRIES: Mr KM Taolo Tel No: (053) 775 1149
APPLICATIONS: Please note applications can be hand delivered to 1 Petso Street, Kagisho Health Center, Mothibistad or E-Mailed at lmoemedi@ncpg.gov.za. All applicants must complete an application register when an application is hand delivered.
A nursing assistant, also known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or a nurse’s aide, is a crucial member of the healthcare team responsible for providing essential care and support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This essay will delve into the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and significance of nursing assistants in healthcare settings.
To begin with, nursing assistants play a fundamental role in delivering direct patient care and ensuring the comfort and well-being of individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Their primary responsibilities include assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. They also help patients with mobility by transferring them between beds and wheelchairs and assisting with exercises prescribed by physical therapists.
Moreover, nursing assistants are responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. They are trained to recognize and report any changes in patients’ condition to the nursing staff promptly. Additionally, nursing assistants assist with basic medical procedures such as collecting specimens for testing, changing dressings, and providing simple wound care under the supervision of a nurse.
In addition to direct patient care, nursing assistants play a critical role in providing emotional support and companionship to patients. They often spend significant time with patients, listening to their concerns, offering encouragement, and engaging in activities that promote social interaction and mental stimulation. This aspect of their role is essential in fostering patients’ overall well-being and quality of life.
Becoming a nursing assistant requires specific qualifications and training. Most nursing assistants complete a state-approved training program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The training covers topics such as basic nursing principles, infection control, patient safety, communication skills, and ethical considerations in healthcare. After completing the training program, aspiring nursing assistants must pass a competency evaluation to obtain certification.
Furthermore, nursing assistants must possess certain personal qualities and attributes to excel in their role. Compassion, empathy, and patience are essential traits that enable nursing assistants to provide attentive and respectful care to patients, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Strong communication skills are also vital for effectively interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
The significance of nursing assistants within the healthcare system cannot be overstated. They are integral members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, contributing to the delivery of safe and efficient patient care. By performing essential tasks and supporting nursing staff, nursing assistants help optimize patient outcomes, prevent complications, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services.
In conclusion, nursing assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry by providing compassionate and competent care to patients in various healthcare settings. Their contributions are invaluable in ensuring patients’ comfort, safety, and well-being while promoting positive healthcare outcomes. Nursing assistants embody the principles of patient-centered care and serve as essential pillars of support within the healthcare team. Their dedication and commitment make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families, exemplifying the essential nature of their role in the healthcare workforce.