Nursing Assistants

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (9%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 28 (85%)

• Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Explain medical instructions to patients or family members.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Record height or weight of patients.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Turn or reposition bedridden patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare or serve food trays.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Change bed linens or make beds.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about nursing assistants and AI