Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works under a nurse's supervision to care for patients, usually in a residential care setting, such as a nursing home, or hospitals.

CNAs, sometimes referred to as a nurse's aide, typically help patients care for their hygiene and ensure they can move about safely. They also support nurses by taking vital signs, answering patient calls, and organizing supplies.

CNAs are essential care providers for hospital, nursing home, and residential care patients, assisting patients with basic activities, such as moving, eating, dressing, and staying sanitary. They also support nurses and other care providers by taking vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure. While CNAs do not provide medical care, they must have enough healthcare knowledge to recognize when to call for a nurse or other clinician to assess a situation where the patient's health might be at risk.

CNA key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Helping patients stay clean and comfortable

• Ensuring patient rooms are sanitary

• Assisting patients with eating and drinking

• Helping patients physically to move, such as by getting them in and out of bed or helping them change positions

• Answering call buttons and other patient requests

• Taking vitals and recognizing possible warning signs, like changes in blood pressure or indications of an infected wound

CNA Exam:

The CNA certification exam consists of a multiple choice test to measure the candidate's knowledge and a skills assessment that includes hands-on tasks, such as taking a patient's vital signs, washing a patient's hands, or safely transferring a patient in and out of a bed.