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.
SOC: 31-1131.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Nurses Aide (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing Assistant
Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onPerform basic patient care activities including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting in health or nursing facilities under the direction of licensed nursing staff.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess patient health status and vital signs using monitoring equipment, documenting observations and reporting changes to supervising nurses.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate patient responses to care interventions and compliance with treatment protocols, collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize care delivery.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize daily care activities and workflow prioritization, managing time effectively across multiple patient assignments in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Proficient
MindsetEngage with patients to provide compassionate emotional support and maintain dignity while performing personal care tasks in long-term care and acute settings.
Developing
Hands-onOperate patient mobility equipment including hydraulic lifts, wheelchairs, and transfer boards following safety protocols to prevent patient injury during ambulation and transfers.
Developing
KnowledgeApply knowledge of infection control and safety procedures, maintaining sterile environments and proper use of protective equipment in clinical settings.
Developing
Hands-onExecute specimen collection, glucose monitoring, and vital sign measurement using medical devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers under established protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain care procedures and activity instructions to patients and family members, promoting patient understanding and participation in their care plan.
Developing
KnowledgeDemonstrate accurate documentation of patient care activities in electronic health record systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and continuity of care.
Developing
MindsetRespect patient autonomy, privacy, and cultural preferences when providing personal care and establishing therapeutic relationships.
Developing
MindsetRecognize patient emotional and psychological needs through active listening and social perceptiveness, adapting communication approaches to diverse patient populations.
Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nursing Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
1,388,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,390. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,260. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,530. 75th percentile: U.S. $46,070. 90th percentile: U.S. $50,140. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$31,390
10% of workers earn the following or more
$50,140
Workers on average earn
$41,270
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
English Language3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
