Auxiliary nursing is a healthcare profession that involves providing support services for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) . Auxiliary nurses are also known as nursing assistants, patient care assistants (PCA), or nurses aides. They help patients with activities of daily living and other healthcare needs under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN. Auxiliary nurses work closely with their patients to ensure that they are comfortable and have their personal needs met. They also keep the managing nurse up to date with information regarding the patients’ conditions and mental states. Some of the responsibilities of an auxiliary nurse include:

• Assisting patients with their basic daily care
• Administering medication (in some cases)
• Monitoring patients vital signs
• Recording healthcare information
• Aiding patients while they perform therapy
• Ensuring that patients take the required medication
• Sterilizing patient rooms
• Assisting patients in everyday duties that they cant do for themselves
• Taking patients on walks

Auxiliary nurses may work full or part-time hours, rotating shift patterns or overnights. They could work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, or in the patients home. To become an auxiliary nurse, one needs to complete a brief healthcare training program or a postsecondary certificate program that takes between one and three months to complete.