Description
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide hands-on basic care and support under the supervision of licensed nurses in hospitals, long-term care, and similar settings. They assist with activities of daily living; obtain and document vital signs and intake/output; observe and report changes; support positioning, transfers, and patient transport; and uphold infection control and safety. CNAs may perform delegated procedures and specimen collection within state scope and must hold active state certification.
- • Answer call lights and address basic needs, escalating to nursing staff as needed.
- • Assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation per care plan.
- • Feed patients and support safe swallowing; assist with meals and hydration.
- • Measure and record vital signs, height, weight, pain level, and oxygen saturation as directed.
- • Track and document intake and output; report significant changes to nursing staff.
- • Observe and report changes in condition, skin integrity, mental status, or behavior.
- • Collect urine, stool, or sputum specimens and label and deliver per protocol.
- • Apply clean dressings, stockings, slings, or support devices as directed.
- • Provide catheter care, perineal care, and bowel care or enemas as delegated by a nurse.
- • Turn and reposition patients and perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent pressure injuries.
- • Use safe patient handling techniques and equipment (e.g., gait belts, lifts) for transfers or mobility.
- • Change bed linens and make occupied and unoccupied beds.
- • Undress, wash, and dress patients who cannot do so themselves.
- • Maintain cleanliness of patient care areas and equipment per infection control policies.
- • Restock rooms and carts with hygiene items and supplies.
- • Prepare and serve meal trays; verify diet orders, allergies, and preferences.
- • Remind patients to take medications or supplements per policy; do not administer unless authorized.
- • Set up or assist with basic equipment (e.g., oxygen, suction, SCDs) as directed by nursing staff.
- • Assist nurses or providers during examinations, procedures, or care activities.
- • Position patients for procedures or treatments.
- • Supply, collect, and empty bedpans, urinals, and emesis basins.
- • Transport patients via wheelchair, stretcher, or bed to tests, therapy, or procedures.
- • Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items with proper documentation.
- • Communicate with patients to offer comfort, orientation, and emotional support.
- • Provide directions and routine information to visitors within HIPAA guidelines.
- • Clean, shave, and drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination as directed.
- • Review and follow individualized care plans and fall-prevention protocols.
- • Report equipment issues or safety hazards and help maintain a safe environment.
- • Gather basic information from patients or caregivers to support admission or shift handoff.
- • Document care and observations accurately in the electronic health record.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
