How to Obtain a Nursing Assistant

Supervised by a nurse, nursing assistants -- also known as orderlies or nurse aides -- help with the care of patients. Nursing assistants, particularly when they work as geriatric aides in nursing homes, are often the primary health care giver and they may become fond of the patients they get to know as people. To be a good nursing assistant, an individual has to be able to follow orders, have a great deal of patience and be emotionally stable. A sense of humor also helps. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of May 2009, the median hourly wage for a nursing assistant was $12.02.

Instructions

• 1

  Check to see if Medicare or your private health insurance will pay for a nursing assistant. In some instances, Medicare will cover nursing assistant costs. If you qualify, you have to opt for a Medicare-approved nursing assistant after a qualifying stay in hospital.

• 2

  Write a job description if you are going to be paying for the nursing assistant. Outline the duties of the nursing assistant. The job may involve personal grooming, dispensing medicines, grocery shopping and cooking support.

• 3

  Calculate what you can afford to pay the nursing assistant and the required number of hours per day. Some people only need a nursing assistant to come in for an hour or so in the mornings to help them arrange the rest of their day. Others require full-time care.

• 4

  Advertise the position in the local newspaper in the "careers" section. Also advertise online. Type "free listings for nursing assistant job" and the name of your state into a search engine. Provide your contact details and indicate if you want the candidates to contact you by mail or by telephone.

• 5

  Arrange interviews. Review the job description and discuss whether or not the person feels that he can do the job properly. It is best to clarity everything at the interview, rather than finding out the person won't prepare meals on the first day of the job.

• 6

  Thank the candidates for attending the interview and give them an indication of when you will make your selection. Make your selection and promptly offer the position to the most qualified person.