A nursing assistant, often referred to as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or nurse’s aide, works under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide direct, hands-on care and support to patients in healthcare settings.[6] Their main focus is to assist patients with daily living activities and ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being.[1]
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs): Helping patients bathe, groom, dress, use the bathroom, eat, and move or change position, especially those with difficulty moving on their own.[4]
- Providing basic patient care: Making beds, turning or repositioning bedridden patients, supporting personal hygiene, and ensuring patient comfort.[1]
- Taking and recording vital signs: Measuring and noting blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration rate, and observing/reporting changes in patient condition.[5]
- Monitoring patient needs: Answering call lights, ensuring patients’ needs are met promptly, and communicating concerns to nursing staff.[2]
- Nutritional support: Serving meals, assisting patients with eating and drinking, documenting food and fluid intake, and considering dietary restrictions.[4]
- Basic medical and safety tasks: Performing assigned treatments (such as enemas, hot packs), cleaning and maintaining medical equipment, helping prevent the spread of infection, applying comfort/safety devices, and reporting skin concerns or other health changes.[1]
- Transporting patients: Moving and transferring patients to different areas within a healthcare facility, such as between rooms or to diagnostic departments.[1]
- Administrative assistance: Updating patient records and charts, stocking supplies, and performing general messenger duties.[3]
- Emotional support and communication: Providing comfort, companionship, and reassurance to patients and their families, and relaying information between patients and clinical staff.[3]
- Ensuring a clean environment: Changing linens, sanitizing areas, and maintaining cleanliness in patient rooms and common spaces.[4]
Nursing assistants must have good communication skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate attitude. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and state certification for CNAs; additional training in CPR or first aid may also be required.[1]
References
- [1] Nurse’s Assistant Generic Job Description – Harvard
- [2] What Is a CNA | Certified Nursing Assistant – National University
- [3] What Is a CNA? Job Description and Career Guide – WGU
- [4] What You’ll Do as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – All Nursing Schools
- [5] CNA Job Description – Betterteam
- [6] CNA Job Description – LeaderStat