Will AI Replace Nursing Assistants?

Turn or reposition bedridden patients.

physical manipulation — Physically repositioning patients

Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.

interpersonal — Scripted info delivery, but live rapport and accountability matter

Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.

physical manipulation — Physically feeding a person in real space

Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.

data analysis — Vital stats entry; clinical accuracy human-owned

Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance

Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.

data analysis — Vital stats entry; clinical accuracy human-owned

Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance

Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.

decision support — Treatment goals need clinical accountability and context

Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance

Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.

physical manipulation — Physical exam requires hands-on patient contact

Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.

physical manipulation — Physically repositioning patients

Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.

physical manipulation — Hands-on handling and disposal of biohazard waste

Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.

interpersonal — Patient history-taking is relational clinical work

Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.

data analysis — Vital stats entry; clinical accuracy human-owned

Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.

interpersonal — Collecting from patients requires live clinical interaction

Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance

Prepare or serve food trays.

physical manipulation — Physically feeding a person in real space

Change bed linens or make beds.

physical manipulation — Hands-on cleaning in patient care rooms

Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.

physical manipulation — Hands-on therapy application requires physical dexterity

Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.

physical manipulation — Hands-on stocking of medical supplies

Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.

physical manipulation — Hands-on cleaning in patient care rooms

Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.

physical manipulation — Medical equipment operated hands-on on patients

Record height or weight of patients.

data analysis — Vital stats entry; clinical accuracy human-owned

Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.

physical manipulation — Moving patients requires hands-on body handling

Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.

physical manipulation — Invasive specimen collection needs hands-on clinical skill

Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.

interpersonal — Scripted info delivery, but live rapport and accountability matter

Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.

physical manipulation — Physically holding patients for positioning

Set up treating or testing equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (x-ray) equipment, or overhead irrigation bottles, as directed by a physician or nurse.

physical manipulation — Hands-on instrument preparation and sterilization

Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.

physical manipulation — Basic health care treatments are hands-on patient work

Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.

physical manipulation — Applying bandages and splints needs manual dexterity

Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.

physical manipulation — Hands-on stocking of medical supplies

Explain medical instructions to patients or family members.

interpersonal — Explaining medical tech needs patient-adaptive dialogue

Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.

physical manipulation — Physical transport of biological materials