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

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to provide basic care to patients and assist them with daily activities. This includes tasks such as helping patients with personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, and other essential daily functions. CNAs play a vital role in supporting the healthcare team by ensuring that patients' basic needs are met, which is crucial for their overall well-being and comfort.

The nature of a CNA's responsibilities centers on direct patient care rather than medical diagnosis or interventions. The role is designed to assist patients in maintaining their dignity and comfort during their time in healthcare settings, making it an essential part of the healthcare support system. Therefore, CNAs are trained to understand the needs of the patients and provide compassionate support, rather than engaging in complex medical tasks like diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, or performing surgeries, which are beyond the scope of the CNA's training and certification.