Nature of the Work

Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) help care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or infirm individuals in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and mental health settings. This occupation is among those occupations commonly referred to as direct care workers due to the CNA's role in working with patients who need long-term care.

CNAs, also known as nurse aides, nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, orderlies, or hospital attendants, provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. Specific tasks vary, with CNAs handling many aspects of a patient's care. They often help patients eat, dress, and bathe. They also answer calls for help, deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and tidy up rooms. CNAs sometimes are responsible for taking a patient's temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. They also may provide care to patients by helping them get out of bed and walk, escorting them to operating and examining rooms, and providing skin care. Some CNAs help other medical staff by setting up equipment, storing and moving supplies, and assisting with some procedures. CNAs also observe patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any changes to the nursing or medical staff.

CNAs employed in nursing care facilities often are the principle caregivers and have more contact with residents than do other members of the staff. Because some residents may stay in a nursing care facility for months or even years, CNAs develop positive, caring relationships with their patients.