What term refers to individuals who assist registered or licensed practical nurses in patient care?

The term that refers to individuals who assist registered or licensed practical nurses in patient care is "nurse assistants." These healthcare professionals, often known as nursing aides or nursing assistants, play a vital role in the healthcare team by providing direct care to patients. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and other personal care tasks that promote patient comfort and well-being. They work under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and support.

In the context of healthcare, each role has specific functions. Care managers focus more on coordinating patient care and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive services, often from a broader perspective than day-to-day assistance. Nurse practitioners have advanced training and can perform many tasks independently, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, which is beyond the scope of what nurse assistants do. Medical technologists are specialized professionals who conduct laboratory tests and analyze results, playing a critical role in diagnostics but not in direct patient care. Thus, nurse assistants are specifically aligned with the support and assistance aspect in the nursing care framework.