It depends on state laws and work setting. 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. You may also attend lectures, workshops, and in-service training.
You must be in good health since a physical examination, including state-regulated disease tests, may be required. A criminal background check also is usually required for employment. Nursing assistants 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.