What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?
A certified nursing assistant provides direct, hands-on care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and residential settings. Under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, CNAs assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, and mobility support. They also help monitor patient health by taking vital signs and observing changes in physical or emotional condition.
CNAs play a crucial role in patient comfort, dignity, and safety. They serve as a vital link between patients and nursing staff, often spending more time with patients than other healthcare professionals. Compassion, stamina, and attention to detail are essential for success in this physically demanding and emotionally rewarding role.
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Certified Nursing Assistant Core Responsibilities
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Help patients with mobility, including turning, positioning, walking, and transferring
- Monitor and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Report changes in patient condition to nursing staff
- Support meal preparation and feeding for patients who need assistance
- Maintain clean and sanitary patient rooms and equipment
- Collect specimens for testing as instructed
- Provide emotional support and companionship to patients
- Ensure patient safety and follow infection control protocols
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Ability to measure and record vital signs
- Knowledge of basic nursing and hygiene practices
- Familiarity with HIPAA and infection control procedures
- Experience with patient mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, lifts)
Soft skills
- Compassion and patience in caregiving
- Strong communication with patients and medical staff
- Attention to detail in observing and reporting patient changes
- Physical stamina and reliability
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA certification from a state-approved training program
- Current registration with state Nurse Aide Registry
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification (required or preferred depending on employer)
Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ months of experience in a long-term care, hospital, or home health setting
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Bilingual communication skills (e.g., Spanish/English)
- Specialized training in dementia or hospice care
National Average Salary
CNA salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is:
$44,500
Sample Job Description Templates for Certified Nursing Assistants
Entry-Level CNA
Position Overview
An entry-level certified nursing assistant provides essential support to patients under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. This role is ideal for newly certified professionals eager to gain experience in a clinical or residential care setting.
Responsibilities
- Assist with daily living tasks such as bathing, grooming, and toileting
- Help patients with mobility and positioning
- Measure and document vital signs under guidance
- Report patient status changes to supervisors
- Maintain cleanliness and support infection control
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic patient care techniques
- Accurate vital sign measurement
- CPR/BLS certification
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and take feedback
- Patience and empathy
- Team collaboration
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA license from state-approved program
- BLS or CPR certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical training experience or CNA practicum
Experienced CNA
Position Overview
An experienced CNA delivers consistent, high-quality patient care and often serves as a mentor to newer staff. This role supports complex care plans and demonstrates confidence in independent tasks.
Responsibilities
- Provide daily living support to multiple patients
- Document care in patient records and EHR systems
- Support advanced mobility assistance and use of mechanical lifts
- Communicate patient concerns clearly to clinical teams
- Assist in end-of-life or specialized care environments
Requirements
Hard skills
- 1+ years of CNA experience
- Proficient in documentation and clinical observation
- Familiarity with standard medical terminology
Soft skills
- Leadership by example
- Strong problem-solving in patient care
- Calm under pressure
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA certification and CPR/BLS
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in long-term care or hospital settings
- Exposure to dementia or hospice care
Lead CNA
Position Overview
The lead CNA oversees other nursing assistants during shifts, ensuring proper workflows, care delivery, and communication. This hybrid role blends hands-on care with coordination and team support.
Responsibilities
- Assign and monitor CNA tasks and patient assignments
- Train and mentor newer CNAs
- Communicate with nursing supervisors about staffing needs
- Ensure timely charting and reporting of care
- Step in for complex care as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with shift planning or staff coordination
- Intermediate EHR navigation
- Knowledge of facility protocols
Soft skills
- Leadership and peer coaching
- Conflict resolution
- Organizational skills
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA certification and BLS required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years CNA experience
- Prior lead or supervisory role in care delivery
Traveling CNA
Position Overview
A traveling CNA provides short-term support at healthcare facilities facing staff shortages. This flexible role requires adaptability, strong clinical judgment, and rapid onboarding.
Responsibilities
- Deliver hands-on care across various settings and patient types
- Follow facility-specific protocols and documentation systems
- Communicate with on-site supervisors for task direction
- Maintain state-specific compliance and credentialing
Requirements
Hard skills
- Flexibility with scheduling, shifts, and locations
- Multi-facility or multi-specialty experience
- Strong documentation practices
Soft skills
- Adaptability in new environments
- Quick learner
- Professionalism under travel pressure
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Valid CNA license (multi-state licensure preferred)
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with travel staffing agencies or rapid deployment roles
Weekend-Only CNA
Position Overview
A weekend-only CNA provides essential coverage during Saturdays and Sundays when full-time staff may be limited. This role supports continuity of care during non-standard hours.
Responsibilities
- Deliver routine and urgent care over weekend shifts
- Communicate with weekday staff via shift reports
- Assist with ADLs and urgent mobility needs
- Maintain documentation and patient safety
Requirements
Hard skills
- Availability for consistent weekend hours
- CPR/BLS certification
- CNA documentation accuracy
Soft skills
- Dependability for limited-staff shifts
- Ability to work independently
- Strong time management
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA certification and BLS
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior weekend or night shift experience
CNA Preceptor
Position Overview
A CNA preceptor trains and mentors new certified nursing assistants, ensuring they understand protocols, patient care standards, and clinical responsibilities. This leadership role improves onboarding and staff retention.
Responsibilities
- Train new CNAs during orientation and on-the-job shadowing
- Provide feedback, evaluations, and performance coaching
- Model best practices in patient care and documentation
- Serve as liaison between trainees and nursing supervisors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of CNA scope of practice
- Ability to explain and demonstrate care procedures
- Proficiency with training checklists and evaluations
Soft skills
- Patience and clear communication
- Leadership through example
- Constructive coaching
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- Active CNA and CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of CNA experience with leadership or training exposure
- Prior preceptor or orientation trainer experience