Assistant in Nursing (AIN)

Assistants in Nursing (AIN) are also referred to Nursing Assistant or Nursing Aide.  AINs work under the direction of a Registered Nurse to deliver limited care to patients.   The scope of practice for an Assistant in Nursing is not as wide as it is for an Enrolled or Registered Nurse, as an AIN does not have the same qualifications.  AINs must have strong communication, empathy and customer service skills, and will assist with managing their patients daily routines, such as showering, toileting, dressing, eating, communicating, mobility, medication and exercise regimes. They also keep accurate patient records and assist in the planning of daily routines and ongoing care regimens.

AINs work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other skilled professionals including Enrolled and Registered Nurses, Doctors, Surgeons, Specialists, Therapists, Specialty Nurses, Social Workers and many other professionals who provide ongoing care to patients or residents who are sick, disabled, elderly, injured or recovering from surgery. 

AINs predominantly deliver primary health care in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, aged care facilities, Government or military institutions, community or school settings, in the home or in outpatient facilities.

• Observing and speaking to patients and their family members
• Providing emotional support to patients and relatives
• Carrying out care according to accepted nursing practices and standards
• Measuring vital signs - temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate 
• Preparing patients for exams and treatment
• Moving or repositioning patients as needed
• Helping patients with exercises as prescribed by other health professionals
• Providing assistance with personal care - showering, grooming and toileting 
• Changing patients’ bedding
• Serving meals and helping patients eat and drink
• Completing paperwork and updating patient documentation. 
• Noting patient concerns ensuring information is relayed to a Nurse or Doctor
• Taking part in health education and other health promotion activities

You can further your studies and progress into more advanced roles such as Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.