Nursing assistants held about 1.5 million jobs in 2014. Orderlies held about 53,000 jobs in 2014.
The industries that employed the most nursing assistants in 2014 were as follows:
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
41%
Hospitals; state, local, and private
25
Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly
11
Home healthcare services
5
Government
4
The industries that employed the most orderlies in 2014 were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private
70%
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
11
Ambulatory healthcare services
6
Government
4
Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly
3
The work of nursing assistants and orderlies can be strenuous. They spend much of their time on their feet as they take care of many patients or residents.
Injuries and Illnesses
Because they frequently lift people and do other physically demanding tasks, nursing assistants and orderlies have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. They are typically trained in how to properly lift and move patients, which can reduce the risk of injuries.
Work Schedules
Most nursing assistants and orderlies work full time. Because nursing homes and hospitals provide care at all hours, nursing assistants and orderlies may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.