An Associate of Arts in Nursing takes about 60 to 90 credit hours to complete.
An Associate of Arts degree in nursing allows a student to graduate with experience in pre-nursing. Pre-nursing provides a foundation in nursing education. This degree is different than an Associate of Science in nursing, which allows a student to obtain a job as a registered nurse. Although the Associate of Arts degree is intended for students to transfer into a four-year nursing degree program, there are some nursing jobs that students can obtain.
Nursing Aides
Nursing aides, also called nursing assistants, are responsible for providing routine nursing tasks under the direction and supervision of medical and nursing staff. For instance, nursing aides make beds, clean rooms and take patients' temperatures. In addition, aides also assist medical staff with moving equipment and stocking supplies. Although state requirements differ, employers usually require at least a high school diploma to obtain a nursing aide job. As of May 2009, the median salary for nursing aides was $24,980 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Home care Aides
Home care aides work in hospice and home health agencies to perform basic nursing tasks. These tasks typically include checking patients' vital signs, assist in providing patients medication and change wound dressings. Home health aides must obtain formal training and pass a competency test to work, according to the BLS. There may be additional requirements depending on state rules. According to the BLS, the median salary for home health aides as of May 2009 was $21,620.
Psychiatric Aides
Psychiatric aides, or mental health assistants, are responsible for caring for people who are emotionally and mentally impaired. The aides work as part of a mental health team of psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists to make sure that patients take their medication. For instance, the aides tell the mental health team if patients are acting strangely or are refusing to take their medication. Other tasks for psychiatric aides are escorting patients to therapy sessions, escort them to group activities and help patients dress. Depending on state requirements, applicants may only need a high school diploma to obtain the job. According to the BLS, the median salary was $27,430 as of May 2009.
Personal and Home Care Aides
Personal and home care aides are responsible for assisting elderly, disabled or ill people. Typically, the aides work in people's home performing tasks such as changing bed linens, grocery shopping, cleaning and preparing meals. Depending on state requirements, personal and home care aides may not need a high school diploma, but will need on-the-job training by a registered nurse or supervisor. As of May 2009, the median salary for personal and home care aides was $20,280 a year.
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