Nursing Aide Working Conditions

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants held about 1,550,000 jobs in 2014. The majority of nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants work in nursing and residential care facilities. Others are employed in hospitals, home care, and hospices.

Working conditions for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants can be strenuous. They spend much of their time on their feet as they take care of many patients or residents. They may also have to do unpleasant tasks, such as emptying bedpans and changing soiled sheets.

Because their working conditions include frequently lifting people and doing other physically demanding tasks, on-the-job injuries are more common for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants than for most other occupations. They should be trained in how to properly lift and move patients, which can reduce the risk of injury.

Most nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants work full time. Working conditions also include variable work hours as nursing homes and hospitals provide care at all hours. Accordingly, nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition