What is a key skill required of a CNA when advocating for patients?

Effective communication and empathy are essential skills for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) when advocating for patients. Advocacy in healthcare involves representing the patients' needs, preferences, and concerns to ensure they receive appropriate care. Effective communication allows the CNA to convey information clearly and accurately to both patients and healthcare teams, facilitating better understanding and collaboration. Empathy enables CNAs to connect with patients on a human level, fostering trust and encouraging patients to share their feelings and concerns. Without these skills, a CNA would struggle to effectively advocate for patients, potentially leading to misunderstandings or unmet needs in their care.

The other options, while important in different contexts, do not capture the core competencies necessary for patient advocacy as directly as effective communication and empathy. For instance, writing detailed reports may support communication but does not inherently involve direct advocacy. Similarly, knowledge of legal matters is beneficial for understanding patient rights, but it is the communication and empathetic engagement that truly empower a CNA to represent patients effectively. Skillful use of medical equipment is crucial for patient care but does not relate directly to the advocacy role.