Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) General Job Duties
CNAs provide essential handson healthcare services to patients working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Their primary responsibilities include:
Basic Patient Care
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Help with bathing grooming and oral hygiene
- Assist with dressing and undressing
- Help with toileting needs and changing adult briefs
- Assist with feeding and ensuring proper hydration
- Provide skincare and pressure ulcer prevention
Mobility Assistance
- Reposition bedridden patients regularly
- Transfer patients between bed and wheelchair chair or stretcher
- Assist with ambulation and proper use of walking aids
- Perform a range of motion exercises as directed
Vital Signs and Monitoring
- Measure and record vital signs (temperature pulse respiration blood pressure)
- Monitor and document food/fluid intake and output
- Observe and report changes in patient condition
- Check weight and height as needed
Environment Management
- Make beds and change linens
- Maintain clean safe and comfortable patient environments
- Organize and stock patient rooms with necessary supplies
- Assist in fall prevention measures
Communication and Documentation
- Document care activities and observations in medical records
- Report relevant patient information to nursing staff
- Answer call lights promptly
- Communicate effectively with patients families and healthcare team
Additional Responsibilities
- Escort patients to examinations or treatments
- Collect specimens (urine stool sputum) as directed
- Provide postmortem care when necessary
- Participate in care planning meetings as appropriate
- Adhere to infection control protocols and safety guidelines
CNAs work in various settings including hospitals longterm care facilities assisted living facilities rehabilitation centers and home healthcare. The specific duties may vary slightly depending on the workplace setting and state regulations.
Requirements
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Position Requirements
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate
- Completion of a stateapproved CNA training program (typically 412 weeks)
- Programs usually include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience.
- Training typically covers basic nursing skills anatomy physiology infection control and patient rights
Licensures and Certification
- Successful completion of the state competency examination (both written and practical components)
- Current active listing on the states nurse aide registry
- Stateissued CNA certificate or license
- Certification renewal according to state requirements (typically every 12 years)
- Completion of continuing education hours as required by state regulations
Additional Certifications (Often Preferred)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- First Aid certification
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Capacity to lift move and transfer patients (typically 2550 pounds)
- Physical stamina for repetitive bending stooping and reaching
- Manual dexterity for performing patient care tasks
Other Requirements
- Background check clearance
- Drug screening
- Health assessment including TB testing and proof of immunizations
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)
- Valid drivers license and reliable transportation (for home healthcare positions)
Requirements may vary by state facility or healthcare setting. Some employers may have additional requirements beyond these standard qualifications.
Benefits
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Permanent Placement Benefits
Healthcare Coverage
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
- Dental Insurance: Preventive and basic dental care coverage
- Vision Insurance: Eye exams and eyewear allowances
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Taxadvantaged medical expense savings options
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pretax dollars for healthcare expenses
Financial Security
- Competitive Base Pay: Stable predictable income
- Shift Differentials: Additional compensation for evening night weekend and holiday shifts
- Annual Merit Increases: Regular performancebased salary adjustments
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) or 403(b) programs often with employer matching
- Life Insurance: Basic coverage typically provided at no cost
- Disability Insurance: Shortterm and longterm disability protection
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Vacation Time: Accrued time off based on length of service
- Sick Leave: Paid time for illness and medical appointments
- Holiday Pay: Compensation for designated holidays
- Personal Days: Flexible time for personal matters
- Bereavement Leave: Paid time off following the loss of a family member
Career Development
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continued education
- Career Advancement Programs: Pathways to LPN/RN or specialized roles
- Skills Training: Ongoing education and certification opportunities
- Mentorship Programs: Guidance from experienced healthcare professionals
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Assistance with required certification maintenance
Work Environment Benefits
- Consistent Schedule: Predictable work hours and shifts
- Familiarity: Working with the same team and patient population
- Established Relationships: Building rapport with colleagues and patients
- Job Security: Greater stability than temporary positions
- Seniority Advantages: Improved shift selection and timeoff priority with tenure
Additional Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services
- Wellness Programs: Health initiatives and fitness incentives
- Employee Discounts: Reduced rates on products and services
- Recognition Programs: Rewards for outstanding performance
- Referral Bonuses: Incentives for recruiting new team members
- Uniform Allowances: Financial assistance for required work attire
- Free Parking: Complimentary onsite parking
- Team Events: Social activities and appreciation celebrations
WorkLife Balance
- Consistent Work Location: Reduced commute variability
- Predictable Schedules: Ability to plan personal life around work commitments
- Requestoff Systems: Processes to accommodate important personal events
- Shift Swapping: Flexibility to trade shifts with colleagues when needed
Note: Benefits vary by employer. Fulltime CNAs typically receive more comprehensive benefits than parttime positions. Benefit eligibility may include probationary periods and minimum hour requirements.
Required Skills for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Technical Skills Patient Care Fundamentals: Proficiency in bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting assistance Vital Signs Monitoring: Accurate measurement and recording of temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure Mobility Assistance: Safe patient positioning, transfers, and ambulation techniques Nutrition Support: Feeding assistance and monitoring of intake and output Basic Medical Knowledge: Understanding of common medical terminology, conditions, and treatments Documentation: Clear and accurate recording of care provided and patient observations Infection Control: Proper handwashing, PPE usage, and sanitization procedures Emergency Response: Basic first aid and recognition of emergency situations Physical Abilities Stamina: Ability to remain on feet for extended periods 8-12 hour shifts) Strength: Capability to lift, turn, and transfer patients (typically 25-50+ pounds) Dexterity: Fine motor skills for tasks like taking vital signs and assisting with personal care Mobility: Ability to bend, stoop, and reach regularly throughout shifts Soft Skills Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with patients and healthcare team Compassion: Genuine concern for patient wellbeing and comfort Patience: Calm demeanor when working with challenging patients or situations Observation: Attention to detail regarding patient condition changes Time Management: Efficient completion of tasks while maintaining quality care Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities and situations Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with nurses and other healthcare professionals Emotional Resilience: Capacity to handle stress and emotionally challenging situations Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and taking appropriate action within scope of practice Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and preferences Professional Qualities Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality Integrity: Honesty and adherence to ethical standards Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes Discretion: Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy Initiative: Proactively identifying and addressing patient needs Continuous Learning: Willingness to update skills and knowledge