How to become a nursing assistant

Help nurses to provide patients with direct support and services in health and community centres and environments.

What does a nursing assistant do?

Nursing assistants help nurses provide patients with support and services in health and community centre environments. They are understanding and helpful with patients and able to perform a variety of functions and services.

Duties and tasks

Provide specialised care and treatment for elderly, mental health patients and patients with disabilities.
Assist nurses, doctors, physical and occupational therapists in treatments and rehabilitation movements while treating patients.
Assist patients with personal requests to ensure they are comfortable and to minimise pain or discomfort.
Collaborate with nurses to understand individual patient circumstances and plan for recovery.
Help patients perform basic activities such as eating, showering and changing in hospitals, doctors offices, residential care and convalescent homes.
Monitor patients and notify nurses and doctors of patients development and reaction to treatments and medications.
Provide routine sterilisation and cleaning of patient rooms, linens and garments and maintain personal cleanliness and sterilisation to prevent infections from spreading.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover nursing courses online

Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences

UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF

Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing

Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.

Study method: 100% online
Duration: 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements: No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Explore details

Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing

PostgraduateMUR-CAN-GCE

Compassionate and collaborative care for patients with cancer

Specialise in cancer care. You’ll learn to build respectful and responsive therapeutic relationships. Apply evidence-based practice. Strengthen collaboration with healthcare teams. Graduate ready to nurse people through the cancer care continuum.

Study method: 100% online
Duration: 6 months full time or part time equivalent

Explore details

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Wound Care

PostgraduateMUR-AWC-GCE

Develop your skills in wound care and management

Further your nursing expertise with this specialised course. Develop advanced wound care and infection prevention techniques to improve patient outcomes. Learn from experts in the field of wound care and management. Study 100% online.

Study method: 100% online
Duration: 6 months full time or part time equivalent

Explore details

Master of Nursing Science

PostgraduateGRF-NSC-MAS

For registered nurses ready to progress to health leadership

Fast-track your career in healthcare management and innovation. You’ll build skills in nursing education and research. Prepare for advanced practice. Explore quality and safety. Complete a research project. Study with a leading Australian nursing school.

Study method: 100% online
Duration: Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent

Explore details

Explore nursing courses

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium — Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Book a consultation Call 13 67 36

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us