Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA

Join Our Growing Network Of Certified Nursing Assistants

A nursing assistant provides basic care and helps patients with activities of daily living under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Nursing assistants work in a variety of nursing and residential care facilities, long-term care centers, assisted living facilities (ALFs), hospitals, home healthcare services, and more.

CNA Responsibilities

Allowing for some variation in duties from one work setting to another, the following are typical responsibilities of CNAs:

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding, and walking or exercising
• Record vital signs, height, and weight
• Measure and record dietary intake and output
• Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention
• Document all care provided and refused and submit paperwork
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of care
• Transport patients to treatment units, operating rooms, or other areas using wheelchairs, stretchers, or movable beds
• Clean and sanitize patients' clothing, rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other areas, maintaining safety standards and infection control procedures

CNA Qualifications

Here are basic qualifications and important skills for nursing assistants:

• Completing a nurse assistant course that meets state requirements
• Passing the respective state's competency exam and obtaining a certification or license—if applicable
• Following oral and written instructions
• Working as part of a team
• Providing compassionate and reliable care
• Communicating effectively within a team