The U.S. Department of Labor has developed an automated occupational information database, O*NET, that identifies and describes work content, work skills, and training requirements for all jobs across the country in all sectors of the economy. Much of the occupational information contained in this report is derived directly from O*NET v3.1, and supplemented with information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and Labor Market and Career Information.
OCCUPATION OVERVIEW
Job Description
Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants - Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties, such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens.
Use of Advanced Technology
Every occupation includes some relationship between job duties and the use of advanced technology -- defined as work activities and environments that incorporate complex electronics as found in computers, lasers, robotics, digital devices, satellites, etc. While basic computer skills such as "keyboarding" apply to an increasing number of occupations, each has different levels of technology interface. Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants is classified as an occupation whose job duties do not rely on the use of technology.
Nature of the Work
Nursing and psychiatric aides help care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or infirm individuals confined to hospitals, nursing care facilities, and mental health settings. Home health aides have duties that are similar, but they work in patients’ homes or residential care facilities.
Nursing aides--also known as nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, orderlies, or hospital attendants--perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They answer patients’ call lights; deliver messages; serve meals; make beds; and help patients to eat, dress, and bathe. Aides also may provide skin care to patients; take their temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure; and help them to get into and out of bed and walk. They also may escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep patients’ rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, and assist with some procedures. Aides observe patients’ physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
Nursing aides employed in nursing care facilities often are the principal caregivers, having far more contact with residents than do other members of the staff. Because some residents may stay in a nursing care facility for months or even years, aides develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way.
Home health aides help elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons live in their own homes instead of in a health care facility. Under the direction of nursing or medical staff, they provide health-related services, such as administering oral medications. Like nursing aides, home health aides may check patients’ pulse rate, temperature, and respiration rate; help with simple prescribed exercises; keep patients’ rooms neat; and help patients to move from bed, bathe, dress, and groom. Occasionally, they change nonsterile dressings, give massages and alcohol rubs, or assist with braces and artificial limbs. Experienced home health aides also may assist with medical equipment such as ventilators, which help patients breathe.
Most home health aides work with elderly or disabled persons who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide. Some help discharged hospital patients who have relatively short-term needs.
In home health agencies, a registered nurse, physical therapist, or social worker usually assigns specific duties to and supervises home health aides, who keep records of the services they perform and record each patient’s condition and progress. The aides report changes in a patient’s condition to the supervisor or case manager.
Psychiatric aides, also known as mental health assistants or psychiatric nursing assistants, care for mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals. They work under a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and therapists. In addition to helping patients to dress, bathe, groom themselves, and eat, psychiatric aides socialize with them and lead them in educational and recreational activities. Psychiatric aides may play games such as cards with the patients, watch television with them, or participate in group activities, such as sports or field trips. They observe patients and report any physical or behavioral signs that might be important for the professional staff to know. They accompany patients to and from examinations and treatment. Because they have such close contact with patients, psychiatric aides can have a great deal of influence on their patients’ outlook and treatment.
Nursing aides--also known as nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, orderlies, or hospital attendants--perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They answer patients’ call lights; deliver messages; serve meals; make beds; and help patients to eat, dress, and bathe. Aides also may provide skin care to patients; take their temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure; and help them to get into and out of bed and walk. They also may escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep patients’ rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, and assist with some procedures. Aides observe patients’ physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
Nursing aides employed in nursing care facilities often are the principal caregivers, having far more contact with residents than do other members of the staff. Because some residents may stay in a nursing care facility for months or even years, aides develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way.
Home health aides help elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons live in their own homes instead of in a health care facility. Under the direction of nursing or medical staff, they provide health-related services, such as administering oral medications. Like nursing aides, home health aides may check patients’ pulse rate, temperature, and respiration rate; help with simple prescribed exercises; keep patients’ rooms neat; and help patients to move from bed, bathe, dress, and groom. Occasionally, they change nonsterile dressings, give massages and alcohol rubs, or assist with braces and artificial limbs. Experienced home health aides also may assist with medical equipment such as ventilators, which help patients breathe.
Most home health aides work with elderly or disabled persons who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide. Some help discharged hospital patients who have relatively short-term needs.
In home health agencies, a registered nurse, physical therapist, or social worker usually assigns specific duties to and supervises home health aides, who keep records of the services they perform and record each patient’s condition and progress. The aides report changes in a patient’s condition to the supervisor or case manager.
Psychiatric aides, also known as mental health assistants or psychiatric nursing assistants, care for mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals. They work under a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and therapists. In addition to helping patients to dress, bathe, groom themselves, and eat, psychiatric aides socialize with them and lead them in educational and recreational activities. Psychiatric aides may play games such as cards with the patients, watch television with them, or participate in group activities, such as sports or field trips. They observe patients and report any physical or behavioral signs that might be important for the professional staff to know. They accompany patients to and from examinations and treatment. Because they have such close contact with patients, psychiatric aides can have a great deal of influence on their patients’ outlook and treatment.
Working Conditions
Most full-time aides work about 40 hours a week, but, because patients need care 24 hours a day, some aides work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Many work part time. In 2004, 25 percent of aides worked part time compared with 16 percent of all workers. Aides spend many hours standing and walking, and they often face heavy workloads. Aides must guard against back injury because they may have to move patients into and out of bed or help them to stand or walk. Aides also may face hazards from minor infections and major diseases, such as hepatitis, but can avoid infections by following proper procedures.
Aides often have unpleasant duties, such as emptying bedpans and changing soiled bed linens. The patients they care for may be disoriented, irritable, or uncooperative. Psychiatric aides must be prepared to care for patients whose illness may cause violent behavior. While their work can be emotionally demanding, many aides gain satisfaction from assisting those in need.
Home health aides may go to the same patient’s home for months or even years. However, most aides work with a number of different patients, each job lasting a few hours, days, or weeks. Home health aides often visit multiple patients on the same day.
Home health aides generally work alone, with periodic visits from their supervisor. They receive detailed instructions explaining when to visit patients and what services to perform. Aides are individually responsible for getting to patients’ homes, and they may spend a good portion of the working day traveling from one patient to another. Because mechanical lifting devices available in institutional settings are seldom available in patients’ homes, home health aides are particularly susceptible to injuries resulting from overexertion when they assist patients.
Aides often have unpleasant duties, such as emptying bedpans and changing soiled bed linens. The patients they care for may be disoriented, irritable, or uncooperative. Psychiatric aides must be prepared to care for patients whose illness may cause violent behavior. While their work can be emotionally demanding, many aides gain satisfaction from assisting those in need.
Home health aides may go to the same patient’s home for months or even years. However, most aides work with a number of different patients, each job lasting a few hours, days, or weeks. Home health aides often visit multiple patients on the same day.
Home health aides generally work alone, with periodic visits from their supervisor. They receive detailed instructions explaining when to visit patients and what services to perform. Aides are individually responsible for getting to patients’ homes, and they may spend a good portion of the working day traveling from one patient to another. Because mechanical lifting devices available in institutional settings are seldom available in patients’ homes, home health aides are particularly susceptible to injuries resulting from overexertion when they assist patients.
Job Tasks
Listed below is a summary list of job tasks often performed by Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The list is not all-inclusive and job tasks and responsibilities will vary among employers.
<1> Feeds patients unable to feed themselves.
<2> Sets up equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable x-ray machines, and overhead irrigation bottles.
<3> Prepares food trays.
<4> Bathes, grooms, and dresses patients.
<5> Measures and records food and liquid intake and output.
<6> Measures and records vital signs.
<7> Administers medication as directed by physician or nurse.
<8> Cleans room and changes linen.
<9> Stores, prepares, and issues dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies.
<10> Administers catheterizations, bladder irrigations, enemas, and douches.
<11> Sterilizes equipment and supplies.
<12> Administers massages and alcohol rubs.
<13> Transports patient to areas, such as operating and x-ray rooms.
<14> Turns and re-positions bedfast patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
<15> Assists patient to walk.
<1> Feeds patients unable to feed themselves.
<2> Sets up equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable x-ray machines, and overhead irrigation bottles.
<3> Prepares food trays.
<4> Bathes, grooms, and dresses patients.
<5> Measures and records food and liquid intake and output.
<6> Measures and records vital signs.
<7> Administers medication as directed by physician or nurse.
<8> Cleans room and changes linen.
<9> Stores, prepares, and issues dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies.
<10> Administers catheterizations, bladder irrigations, enemas, and douches.
<11> Sterilizes equipment and supplies.
<12> Administers massages and alcohol rubs.
<13> Transports patient to areas, such as operating and x-ray rooms.
<14> Turns and re-positions bedfast patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
<15> Assists patient to walk.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Industry Employment Patterns
These industries, as defined under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) taxonomy, employ Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The NAICS, developed jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, replaces the former U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The industry order represents the employment distribution of this occupation relative to the top industries in which the occupation is found, from greatest to least percentage.
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6233 Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 6223 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
NAICS 0670 Self-Employed & Unpaid Family Workers
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6233 Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 6223 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
NAICS 0670 Self-Employed & Unpaid Family Workers
Texas Labor Market Information
The Texas statewide average hourly wage for the survey year 2006 for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants was $9.61. This can be compared to the average wage rate for all occupations in Texas of $17.49 per hour, and nationally $18.84 per hour. Actual wages for any particular job within this occupation may vary depending on job responsibilities, degree of unionization, region of the state, and industry attachment.
In 2004, national employment was 1,455,364, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 90,016. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 117,488. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 30.50%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 4,271 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 31-1012, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
In 2004, national employment was 1,455,364, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 90,016. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 117,488. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 30.50%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 4,271 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 31-1012, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
Additional Labor Market Information
In general, this occupation has a low turnover rate. Lower than average turnover rates most often indicate jobs which require more occupationally-specific skills, significant investment in training of the worker by the employer, and have established career ladders.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 38.6 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 3.7 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 2.7 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 87.9% being female. Also, 59.4% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 38.6 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 3.7 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 2.7 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 87.9% being female. Also, 59.4% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS
Every person has unique characteristics, interests, and styles that influence his or her capacity to learn, as well as their willingness to do various kinds of activities. Studies have shown that these same characteristics can also be used to better predict a person's job satisfaction and success. While no job selection process can guarantee job success or satisfaction, by identifying these unique personal characteristics and matching them with jobs requiring similar performance attributes, a worker will have a better chance of selecting satisfying occupations. O*NET has identified these unique characteristics as Abilities, Interests, and Work Importance Values. Variables within these characteristics are rated on the importance of the variable to successful performance in an occupation using the following descriptors: Not Important, Somewhat Important, Important, Very Important, and Extremely Important.
Knowledge
Although most occupations require occupationally-specific training, knowledge of concepts and principles in other subject areas may be helpful or even necessary for successful performance in an occupation. Knowledge, for the purpose of this report, is defined as an organized set of facts and principles related to a specific subject area, but used in other occupational areas. Knowledge is rated on various levels of importance in the following subject areas for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants to be effective on the job.
Business and management knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
* Therapy and Counseling -- Knowledge of information and techniques needed to rehabilitate physical and mental ailments and to provide career guidance including alternative treatments, rehabilitation equipment and its proper use, and methods to evaluate treatment effects
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY
* Public Safety and Security -- Knowledge of weaponry, public safety, and security operations, rules, regulations, precautions, prevention, and the protection of people, data, and property
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
Business and management knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
* Therapy and Counseling -- Knowledge of information and techniques needed to rehabilitate physical and mental ailments and to provide career guidance including alternative treatments, rehabilitation equipment and its proper use, and methods to evaluate treatment effects
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY
* Public Safety and Security -- Knowledge of weaponry, public safety, and security operations, rules, regulations, precautions, prevention, and the protection of people, data, and property
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
Skills
Today's employers are looking for individuals with workplace skills which go beyond good basic academic skills of reading, writing, and computation. Employers want workers who can efficiently apply new knowledge and skills to job duties and tasks. According to the Secretary's Commission On Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS), a study commissioned by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, several core skills are essential for job-readiness in the current economic environment. These skills are divided into a Three-Part Foundation and Five Competencies.
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as extremely important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, this skill is considered important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered somewhat important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Active Listening -- Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Information Gathering -- Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
TECHNICAL SKILLS
* Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
* Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
* Technology Design -- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as extremely important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, this skill is considered important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered somewhat important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Active Listening -- Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Information Gathering -- Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
TECHNICAL SKILLS
* Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
* Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
* Technology Design -- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs
Abilities
Abilities are defined as enduring attributes of a person that influence performance. Abilities can be divided into four categories: Analytical (those abilities that use the mind for thinking and reasoning); Psychomotor (those abilities that coordinate the use of the mind and the body); Physical (those abilities that use body strength and/or endurance); and Sensory (those abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception).
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered extremely important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as very important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is important to successful job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as very important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered important for acceptable job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants is considered extremely important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, this capacity is rated as important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered very important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered very important to successful job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
Important abilities for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
FINE MANIPULATIVE ABILITIES
* Arm-Hand Steadiness -- The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position
PHYSICAL STRENGTH ABILIITIES
* Static Strength -- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
* Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered extremely important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as very important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is important to successful job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as very important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered important for acceptable job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants is considered extremely important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, this capacity is rated as important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered very important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered very important to successful job performance for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
Important abilities for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
FINE MANIPULATIVE ABILITIES
* Arm-Hand Steadiness -- The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position
PHYSICAL STRENGTH ABILIITIES
* Static Strength -- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
* Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Work Activities
Generalized Work Activities are those similar job activities and behaviors that exist in a wide range of occupations. They can be very useful in predicting a person's potential success in a new occupation. By identifying the level in which a person successfully performs an activity in one job, it is likely that he/she will successfully perform a similar activity at the same level in a different job.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, Information input is considered very important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is very important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information received by making estimates or categorizations, recognizing differences or similarities, or sensing changes in circumstances or events.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Establishing & Maintaining Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Handling and Moving Objects -- Using one's own hands and arms in handling, installing, forming, positioning, and moving materials, or in manipulating things, including the use of keyboards.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, Information input is considered very important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is very important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information received by making estimates or categorizations, recognizing differences or similarities, or sensing changes in circumstances or events.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Establishing & Maintaining Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Handling and Moving Objects -- Using one's own hands and arms in handling, installing, forming, positioning, and moving materials, or in manipulating things, including the use of keyboards.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Interests
Another aspect of job satisfaction relates to a worker's personal interests. John Holland, in his publication "Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments," theorized that a person's behavior is influenced by the interaction of his/her personality traits and the work environment, and that a person will seek out work environments that allow the greatest chance for expressing their attitudes and values. In his theory, Holland stated that all work places can be categorized primarily into one of six work environments. These are: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. He also theorized that workers have similar personality types. To make the connection between worker and work environment, Holland developed a dictionary assigning personality/work environment types to specific occupations using a coding system.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Realistic. People with Realistic interests like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They enjoy dealing with plants, animals, and real-world materials, like wood, tools, and machinery. They enjoy outside work. Often people with Realistic interests do not like occupations that mainly involve doing paperwork or working closely with others.
The third Holland category is not identified.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Realistic. People with Realistic interests like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They enjoy dealing with plants, animals, and real-world materials, like wood, tools, and machinery. They enjoy outside work. Often people with Realistic interests do not like occupations that mainly involve doing paperwork or working closely with others.
The third Holland category is not identified.
Work Importance Values
Although Work Values are more useful in exploring careers, jobs or training programs, knowing which values are shared by the most people in an occupation may also be informative.
The highest Work Values for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
Support - The Support Work Value is associated with jobs where the company stands behind its workers and where the workers are comfortable with management's style of supervision. These companies typically have a reputation for competent, considerate, and fair management.
The highest Work Values for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants include:
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
Support - The Support Work Value is associated with jobs where the company stands behind its workers and where the workers are comfortable with management's style of supervision. These companies typically have a reputation for competent, considerate, and fair management.
TRAINING
Preferred Education and Training Duration
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has developed a system of classifying occupations based on the amount of education and training required to be proficient in this occupation. Although for many occupations there often is more than one way to qualify for a job, the education and training requirements listed here best reflect the typical requirements for the occupation and the preferences of most employers.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, workers generally are expected to obtain short-term on-the-job training. Workers in occupations at this level generally can develop the skills needed for average job performance after a short demonstration or up to one month of on-the-job experience and instruction. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants, workers generally are expected to obtain short-term on-the-job training. Workers in occupations at this level generally can develop the skills needed for average job performance after a short demonstration or up to one month of on-the-job experience and instruction. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
Method of Entry/Training
In many cases, a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for a job as a nursing or psychiatric aide. However, a high school diploma generally is not required for jobs as home health aides. Hospitals may require previous experience as a nursing aide or home health aide. Nursing care facilities often hire inexperienced workers, who must complete a minimum of 75 hours of mandatory training and pass a competency evaluation as part of a State-approved training program within 4 months of their employment. Aides who complete the program are known as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) and are placed on the State registry of nursing aides. Some States also require psychiatric aides to complete a formal training program. However, most psychiatric aides learn their skills on the job from experienced workers.
Nursing and psychiatric aide training is offered in high schools, vocational-technical centers, some nursing care facilities, and some community colleges. Courses cover body mechanics, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, infection control, communication skills, and resident rights. Personal care skills, such as how to help patients to bathe, eat, and groom themselves, also are taught.
Some employers provide classroom instruction for newly hired aides, while others rely exclusively on informal on-the-job instruction by a licensed nurse or an experienced aide. Such training may last from several days to a few months. Aides also may attend lectures, workshops, and in-service training.
The Federal Government has guidelines for home health aides whose employers receive reimbursement from Medicare. Federal law requires home health aides to pass a competency test covering a wide range of areas: Communication; documentation of patient status and care provided; reading and recording of vital signs; basic infection-control procedures; basic bodily functions; maintenance of a healthy environment; emergency procedures; physical, emotional, and developmental characteristics of patients; personal hygiene and grooming; safe transfer techniques; normal range of motion and positioning; and basic nutrition.
A home health aide may receive training before taking the competency test. Federal law suggests at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training, supervised by a registered nurse. Training and testing programs may be offered by the employing agency but must meet the standards of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State regulations for training programs vary.
The National Association for Home Care offers national certification for home health aides. The certification is a voluntary demonstration that the individual has met industry standards. Some States also require aides to be licensed.
Aides must be in good health. A physical examination, including State-regulated tests such as those for tuberculosis, may be required. A criminal background check also is usually required for employment.
Applicants should be tactful, patient, understanding, emotionally stable, and dependable and should have a desire to help people. They also should be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills, and be willing to perform repetitive, routine tasks. Home health aides should be honest and discreet, because they work in private homes. They also will need access to their own car or public transportation to reach patients’ homes.
For some individuals, these occupations serve as entry-level jobs, as in the case of high school and college students who may work while also attending school. In addition, experience as an aide can help individuals decide whether to pursue a career in health care. Opportunities for advancement within these occupations are limited. Aides generally need additional formal training or education in order to enter other health occupations. The most common health care occupations for former aides are licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and medical assistant.
Nursing and psychiatric aide training is offered in high schools, vocational-technical centers, some nursing care facilities, and some community colleges. Courses cover body mechanics, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, infection control, communication skills, and resident rights. Personal care skills, such as how to help patients to bathe, eat, and groom themselves, also are taught.
Some employers provide classroom instruction for newly hired aides, while others rely exclusively on informal on-the-job instruction by a licensed nurse or an experienced aide. Such training may last from several days to a few months. Aides also may attend lectures, workshops, and in-service training.
The Federal Government has guidelines for home health aides whose employers receive reimbursement from Medicare. Federal law requires home health aides to pass a competency test covering a wide range of areas: Communication; documentation of patient status and care provided; reading and recording of vital signs; basic infection-control procedures; basic bodily functions; maintenance of a healthy environment; emergency procedures; physical, emotional, and developmental characteristics of patients; personal hygiene and grooming; safe transfer techniques; normal range of motion and positioning; and basic nutrition.
A home health aide may receive training before taking the competency test. Federal law suggests at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training, supervised by a registered nurse. Training and testing programs may be offered by the employing agency but must meet the standards of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State regulations for training programs vary.
The National Association for Home Care offers national certification for home health aides. The certification is a voluntary demonstration that the individual has met industry standards. Some States also require aides to be licensed.
Aides must be in good health. A physical examination, including State-regulated tests such as those for tuberculosis, may be required. A criminal background check also is usually required for employment.
Applicants should be tactful, patient, understanding, emotionally stable, and dependable and should have a desire to help people. They also should be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills, and be willing to perform repetitive, routine tasks. Home health aides should be honest and discreet, because they work in private homes. They also will need access to their own car or public transportation to reach patients’ homes.
For some individuals, these occupations serve as entry-level jobs, as in the case of high school and college students who may work while also attending school. In addition, experience as an aide can help individuals decide whether to pursue a career in health care. Opportunities for advancement within these occupations are limited. Aides generally need additional formal training or education in order to enter other health occupations. The most common health care occupations for former aides are licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and medical assistant.
Training Programs
Catalog of Instructional Programs (CIP 2000) educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
CIP 512601 Health Aide
CIP 511614 Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
CIP 512601 Health Aide
CIP 511614 Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
OTHER TITLES
New Occupational Titles
Under the newly-revised 2000 Standard Occupational Codes, the O*NET occupation Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants may be identified as:
Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants (SOC 31-1012)
Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants (SOC 31-1012)
Related or Similar O*NET Occupational Titles
Listed below are related O*NET occupational titles for Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants:
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians (53-3011.00)
Athletic Trainers (29-9091.00)
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics (29-2041.00)
Flight Attendants (39-6031.00)
Home Health Aides (31-1011.00)
Medical Assistants (31-9092.00)
Physical Therapists (29-1123.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians (53-3011.00)
Athletic Trainers (29-9091.00)
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics (29-2041.00)
Flight Attendants (39-6031.00)
Home Health Aides (31-1011.00)
Medical Assistants (31-9092.00)
Physical Therapists (29-1123.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Other Related Codes and Titles
Other occupational and educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 360 Nursing, Psychiatric, & Home Health Aides
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 355374014 Certified Medication Technician
DOT 355674014 Nurse Assistant
DOT 354374010 Nurse, Practical
DOT 355674018 Orderly
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100302 Child and Adult Care: Patient Care
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS NEHM 3-6 Hospital Corpsman, Third Class To First Class
MOS FE4N051A Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunology
MOS FE4N051B Medical Service Journeyman, Neurology
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 0621 Nursing Assistant Series
OPM 9893 Orderly
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 66008 Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 360 Nursing, Psychiatric, & Home Health Aides
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 355374014 Certified Medication Technician
DOT 355674014 Nurse Assistant
DOT 354374010 Nurse, Practical
DOT 355674018 Orderly
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100302 Child and Adult Care: Patient Care
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS NEHM 3-6 Hospital Corpsman, Third Class To First Class
MOS FE4N051A Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunology
MOS FE4N051B Medical Service Journeyman, Neurology
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 0621 Nursing Assistant Series
OPM 9893 Orderly
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 66008 Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Similar Military Careers
The different branches of the U.S. military have many occupations in which the duties performed are similar to those required by civilian occupations, or which may prepare you for employment in a similar civilian field.
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Medical Care Technicians
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Medical Care Technicians
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sources of Additional Information
Information about employment opportunities may be obtained from local hospitals, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, psychiatric facilities, State boards of nursing, and local offices of the State employment service.
Information on licensing requirements for nursing and home health aides, and lists of State-approved nursing aide programs are available from State departments of public health, departments of occupational licensing, boards of nursing, and home care associations.
Information on licensing requirements for nursing and home health aides, and lists of State-approved nursing aide programs are available from State departments of public health, departments of occupational licensing, boards of nursing, and home care associations.
Contact CDR
Texas Workforce Commission/Labor Martet and Career Information (TWC/LMCI)
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
