T and J Nursing Assistant Training School Blog

Practical advice for anyone thinking about a career in direct patient care, from the team at T and J Nursing Assistant Training School in Mount Vernon, NY.

Nursing assistants are often the members of the care team who spend the most time with patients. On a typical shift, an aide helps residents bathe, dress and eat, assists them in moving safely between bed, chair and bathroom, takes and records vital signs, and keeps rooms clean and safe. Just as important, aides notice changes – a new cough, a poor appetite, confusion or a skin problem – and report them to the nurse. It is physical, people-focused work that rewards patience, reliability and good communication.

Nursing assistants work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and assisted living communities. For many people the role is also a first step toward further study in nursing or other health professions.

All three roles involve helping people with daily living, but the settings differ. Nursing assistants usually work in facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals under the supervision of nurses. Home health aides care for clients in their own homes and may help with tasks such as monitoring vital signs and following a care plan set by a nurse. Personal care aides focus on non-medical support at home – personal hygiene, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and companionship.

If you enjoy a fast-paced team environment, facility work may suit you. If you prefer one-on-one relationships and some independence, home care may be a better fit. Our staff can talk through the options with you.

Certification is only valuable while it is active. Aides who have stepped away from paid nursing-related work for a period of time may find their certification has lapsed and that re-training or re-testing is required before they can return. Keep copies of your certificate and pay stubs that show your work history, and check your status on the state registry well before you plan to apply for jobs.

If your certification has lapsed, our re-certification program helps you refresh core skills and get back to work with confidence.

Have a topic you would like us to write about, or a question about training? Contact us – we are open Monday–Saturday, 9am–9pm.