What is the primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

The role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) primarily involves providing basic care and assistance to patients under supervision. This responsibility encompasses a variety of tasks, such as helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding. Additionally, CNAs often assist with mobility and ensuring that patients are comfortable, as well as monitoring their vital signs and reporting any changes to the nursing staff.

Being under supervision means that CNAs work closely with licensed nurses, who oversee their activities and ensure that all patient care is performed according to established protocols and within the scope of practice. This collaborative dynamic is essential in a healthcare setting, allowing CNAs to support the nursing team while focusing on the personal and immediate needs of patients.

In contrast, the responsibilities associated with administering medications or diagnosing conditions fall outside the scope of a CNA's practice. Medication administration typically requires additional training and certification, while the ability to diagnose is strictly within the realm of licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or physicians. Similarly, performing major surgeries is a specialized skill that belongs to surgical teams and not to CNAs. The focus on basic patient care emphasizes the vital and supportive role that CNAs play in enhancing patient comfort and wellbeing.