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How to Become a Nursing Assistant: Australian Careers in Nursing

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What is a Nursing Assistant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Nursing Assistant?

A Nursing Assistant gives direct care to patients under the guidance of registered nurses. They are also known as Nursing Support Workers, Personal Care Assistants, or Assistants in Nursing (AIN). Nursing Assistants work in hospitals, aged care homes, and community health settings. They play a key part in patient comfort and recovery each day.

In this role, Nursing Assistants help patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They help patients move safely. They also check on patients and report any changes to the nursing team. This hands-on care supports both physical and mental well-being.

Nursing Assistants follow care plans set by the healthcare team. They may help with rehab exercises, support therapy sessions, and give medications under nurse oversight. The role calls for a caring nature, good talking skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Demand for Nursing Assistants is very strong across Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). About 39,700 Nursing Support Workers are in this field. This career offers real job security and the chance to grow in healthcare.

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Career snapshots For Nursing Assistants

About 39,700 Nursing Support Workers are in this role across Australia, with future demand rated as very strong (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Most work part-time, with only 36% in full-time roles. Full-time workers average 42 hours per week. The median weekly wage is $1,279, which equals about $66,500 per year.

The workforce is mostly female, with women making up 85% of all Nursing Assistants. The median age is 36 years, which is younger than the national average. Work is spread across hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health settings. The role sits within Health Care and Social Assistance, one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors.

What will I do?

Nursing Assistants give hands-on support to patients and assist nursing staff in hospitals, aged care homes, and other care settings. Their work focuses on personal care, patient safety, and well-being. They are a key part of the care team and help deliver quality care every day.

  • Helping with personal care – helping patients with showers, dressing, and eating to stay clean and comfortable.
  • Supporting mobility – helping patients move safely, whether getting out of bed, walking, or using aids.
  • Helping patients talk – helping patients share their needs with carers and family.
  • Taking part in care plans – helping build each patient’s care plan based on daily checks.
  • Following therapy plans – carrying out care steps for patients with dementia or behavioural needs.
  • Watching and reporting – checking on patients and letting nursing staff know about any changes.
  • Helping with rehab – helping patients do set exercises to aid their recovery.
  • Giving medications – helping give medicines under the watch of nursing staff.

What skills do I need?

A Nursing Assistant needs a mix of hands-on and people skills. Good talking skills help them work with patients, families, and the care team. Empathy and care are a must, as patients may be unwell or at risk. Physical fitness matters too, as the role means helping patients move and doing hands-on tasks.

Attention to detail is key in this role. Nursing Assistants must watch patients closely and report any changes in condition. A basic grasp of medical steps and safety rules is also needed. The ability to stay calm when things change quickly is a real asset. These skills help build a strong and capable Nursing Assistant.

Skills/attributes

  • Compassion and empathy
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Basic medical knowledge
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Respect for patient privacy and dignity
  • Basic computer skills
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.