Working as a nursing assistant takes the right combination of personal attributes and technical skills to provide quality care to the patient. At Best Care, we feel that an empathetic and caring nature is one of the most vital nursing assistant skills. Whether they work with an elderly Alzheimer’s patient or a child with a chronic medical condition, nursing assistants must offer the same level of compassionate care. They need to understand the client’s challenges and treat him or her in a respectful and dignified manner regardless of how the client responds.

The Importance of Good Observation Skills

Doctors and nurses are busy people who depend on nursing assistants to monitor daily changes in their patients. For example, if a patient with dementia seems especially agitated one day, the nursing assistant must record his or her observations and report them to a superior. Detail orientation and excellent written communication skills are especially important for documentation purposes. The nursing assistant must possess good judgment to know if he or she should respond to the patient’s need immediately or seek additional help.

The Ability to Prioritize and Follow Treatment Plans

Prior to receiving services from Best Care, the patient’s family and medical team meet with our administration to formulate a care plan. It is crucial that nursing assistants follow this written plan. However, there are times when he or she must rank the importance of services that the client needs. The nursing assistant must be flexible enough to respond to emergencies, patient illnesses, and other setbacks.

Professional Communication Skills

Nursing assistants must communicate with the client, other staff members, and the patient’s family on a regular basis. He or she needs to remain professional while doing so and leave opinions and emotions out of the conversation. The patient’s well-being always come first.

Do You Need a Nursing Assistant?

If you are considering hiring a nursing assistant to provide in-home care for a loved one, please contact us to learn more. We have high expectations of our staff, and that shows in the way they care for your loved one.