What do Certified Nursing Assistants Do?

A Certified Nursing Assistant provides basic healthcare and assistance directly to patients in hospitals or long-term healthcare facilities. They also work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs and assist them as needed. 

What Duties to Expect in Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs

As the name suggests, CNAs work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or another medical professional, assisting them with patient care and other tasks.

A Certified Nursing Assistant may be responsible for:

• Attending to the needs of multiple patients 
• Aiding patients with routine tasks such as eating, bathing, or exercising
• Observing or recording the condition of the patient, their vital signs, and other important information
• Monitoring the patient’s food and liquid intake
• Turning or rotating bedridden patients
• Updating their care team about changes in the patient’s condition or care.

CNAs are often the primary care providers in assisted living facilities for their assigned patients. Because of this, they may often create stronger, more personal relationships with them.

What Does an Average Day Look Like for a Certified Nursing Assistant 

CNAs can often take jobs in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week? For this reason, CNA jobs often require the nursing team to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

CNAs often expect to work up to five 8-hour shifts weekly, with two days off somewhere in between. Asking CNAs to work 12-hour shifts is also common. 

CNAs can work part-time or full-time. 

For more FAQs about the position of CNA or to access resources for CNAs, click here!