There are three different types of caregivers in Washington state. The three types of caregiver positions have quite a few similarities as well as some major differences. Check out this quick reference chart to compare the positions. Visit the specific Care Providers pages for a more in-depth look at each caregiver type.

 

 

  Home Care Aide Nursing Assistants Certified
Job Duties
Provide assistance with activities of daily living, including: personal hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring and mobility
Provide assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, including: communication, transportation, meal prep, shopping, housework and managing medication
Perform medical tasks such as taking blood pressure and pulses rates and setting up medical equipment    
Employment
Can be employed by an agency  
Can be employed by an individual client
Training
Requires 75 hours of training ✔ (unless caring for a family member) Required (unless caring for a family member) Requires at least 85 hours of training
Requires training from a pre-approved program (often at a community college, technical college or hospital)    
Certification required through the Washington State Department of Health ✔ (unless caring for a family member) Required (unless caring for a family member)
Work Settings
Client's Private Home
Adult Family Home (Residential home with up to 6 clients)
Assisted Living Facility (Facility with 7 or more residents)
Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility    
Hospitals    
Number of Clients Served
Can serve 1 or multiple clients  
Continuing Education
Required training translates well into earning credits for an associates or bachelor’s degree.