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

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to assist patients with daily living activities and provide basic care under the supervision of a nurse. This encompasses a variety of tasks that support patients' personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and helping them with mobility. CNAs play a crucial frontline role in healthcare settings, ensuring that patients receive attentive care and promoting their overall well-being.

This role is essential as it allows registered nurses to focus on more complex medical tasks while ensuring that patients receive the daily assistance they require. The supportive care provided by CNAs contributes significantly to the daily comfort and quality of life of patients, making their position vital in any healthcare team.

In contrast, managing medical records is typically the responsibility of administrative personnel or medical secretaries, not CNAs. Performing surgical procedures is outside the scope of practice for CNAs, as such tasks require advanced training and certification for licensed professionals. Additionally, administering medications independently is a task that requires a nursing license and cannot be performed by a CNA without direct supervision.