Nursing Assistant & Orderly
1. OVERVIEW
Nursing assistants and orderlies provide essential daily care for patients under the supervision of licensed nurses. They help patients with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Their work supports the quality and efficiency of care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
2024 Median Pay (Nursing Assistants): $39,530/year ($18.99/hour)
2024 Median Pay (Orderlies): $37,700/year ($18.13/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): +4% (as fast as average)
Typical Education: State-approved CNA program (for Nursing Assistants); High school diploma (for Orderlies)
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Nursing Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Orderly, Patient Care Assistant
Education: High school diploma + CNA program (typically 4–12 weeks)
Experience: 0–2 years
Certifications (Required/Recommended):
Certified Nursing Assistant (varies by state)
Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification
Core Duties:
Assist with bathing, grooming, toileting, and dressing
Measure and record vital signs
Transport patients and assist with mobility
Feed patients and monitor food intake
Report changes in patient condition to nursing staff
Salary Range: $32,000–$42,000
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: Senior CNA, Lead Nursing Assistant, Health Unit Coordinator
Education: CNA certification + 3–5 years experience
Certifications (Preferred):
Medication Aide Certification (CMA)
Advanced CPR or First Aid Training
Core Duties:
Mentor and train junior staff
Administer medications (if state-certified)
Maintain supply inventory and coordinate care routines
Support shift handovers and documentation
Salary Range: $42,000–$52,000
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: CNA Supervisor, Patient Care Coordinator, Nurse Aide Program Trainer
Education: Associate degree in healthcare, gerontology, or management + 7–10 years experience
Certifications (Valued):
Certified Medication Aide
Healthcare Leadership Certificates
Core Duties:
Manage CNA teams and care schedules
Oversee regulatory compliance and quality assurance
Train and onboard new hires
Act as liaison between nursing aides and administration
Salary Range: $52,000–$65,000
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
Training: State-approved CNA program + on-the-job training
Certifications: CNA license (varies by state), BLS/CPR
Soft Skills: Compassion, patience, physical stamina, attention to detail, communication
4. SKILLS & TOOLS Core Skills:
Patient hygiene and mobility support
Infection control and safety protocols
Accurate vital sign measurement
Documentation and communication
Tools:
Blood pressure monitors
Lifting and mobility equipment (Hoyer lift, gait belts)
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software
Thermometers, pulse oximeters
Wheelchairs and hospital beds
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Locations: Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers
Schedules: Full-time or part-time; night, weekend, and holiday shifts common
Environment: Physically demanding, high interaction, potential exposure to infectious diseases
6. JOB OUTLOOK
Drivers: Aging population, chronic illness, hospital readmission reductions
Annual Openings: ~216,200 through 2033
Growth Opportunity: Advancement to CMA, LPN, RN, or supervisory roles
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Home Health Aides | Salary: $34,900 | Education Level: High school diploma
Role: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) | Salary: $62,340 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate
Role: Phlebotomists | Salary: $43,660 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate
Role: Occupational Therapy Aides | Salary: $66,050 | Education Level: Advanced Education
Role: Psychiatric Aides | Salary: $42,200 | Education Level: Advanced Education
8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT Certifications & Courses:
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) – https://www.nahcacares.org
State Board of Nursing CNA Licensing
Online programs: MedCerts, Penn Foster, CareerStep
Books:
Mosby’s Textbook for Nursing Assistants
Workbook for Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care
Videos & Channels:
YouTube: “CNA Skills Practice,” “Nursing Assistant Training Channel”
Webinars from NAHCA and Red Cross
Communities:
Reddit: r/CNA, r/nursing
Facebook: “Nursing Assistants Unite,” “CNA Study Group”
LinkedIn: “Long-Term Care Workers” and “Healthcare Support Careers” groups
9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
BLS Profile: Nursing Assistants – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
CareerOneStop: Salary data by state and city
Projections Central: Job growth by region – https://www.projectionscentral.org
State CNA Registry Search: Check eligibility and renewals per state
