According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

“Nursing assistants and orderlies work as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses.”

According to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, “Nursing assistants are key players in the lives of the people in their care. Each day, more than 4.5 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.

“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, Emergency rooms, prisons, MR Facilities, Workshops and other long term care settings.

“Nursing Assistants provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by residents and clients in long term care facilities.”