Nurse aides assist nurses in providing basic patient care. They usually work in a nursing home or a hospital. They work under the direct supervision of a nurse in order to fulfill their duties. They handle routine tasks related to patient care such as taking and recording vital signs. Routine duties of the nurse aide include: assisting patients with bathing and other personal hygiene needs. If specimens are requested, the nurse aide will be required to collect them and bring them to the lab for testing. Various other duties include: changing bed linens and keeping patients’ rooms neat and orderly, replenishing a patient’s water supply, or helping patients with daily hygiene. One of the most fulfilling duties for the nurse aide is talking with patients. They can calm patients’ jittery nerves, lift their spirits, or just keep them company. The objective of the Nurse Aide program is to prepare students to meet the requirements necessary to pass the State Exam and become certified as a Nurse Aide. The program provides the certification as required by the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS). The student will receive a nurse aide certificate from TDHS and a CPR card from Texas Careers. The course will provide the student with the fundamental knowledge, skills and abilities essential for the provision of basic care to residents in long-term care facilities and hospitals. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be awarded a Certificate.