What does a Certified Nursing Assistant do?

As a certified nursing assistant, you provide essential care to patients by assisting with daily activities like bathing, feeding, and mobility. You work under the supervision of registered nurses to ensure patient comfort and support.

Certified Nursing Assistant: Main duties

Certified Nursing Assistants in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Assist patients with daily personal tasks, including bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • Help perform basic nursing procedures like taking blood pressure and patient temperature.
  • Monitor patients' conditions by recording vital signs and reporting any changes to the nursing or medical staff.
  • Prepare patients for surgeries, treatments, or examinations.
  • Set up medical equipment needed by healthcare professionals.
  • Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas using wheelchairs or movable beds.
  • Clean and sanitize patient areas and ensure all linens are changed.
  • Feed patients and document their food and liquid intake.
  • Communicate with patients and their families, providing emotional support.

Certified Nursing Assistant: Key Qualifications

  • Completion of a state-approved education program and passing of a competency exam, leading to certification as a nursing assistant.
  • Must be registered with the state’s nursing assistant registry and maintain a current credential status.
  • Experience in a hospital or long-term care facility is preferred.
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology and healthcare operations.
  • CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification may be required.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Certified Nursing Assistants

  • Physical stamina to handle the demands of frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
  • Strong observational skills to notice changes in patient health or behavior.
  • Compassion and interpersonal skills to provide supportive care to patients and their families.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and adhere to safety guidelines.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with the medical team and patients.

Salary Expectations for Certified Nursing Assistants


Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Certified Nursing Assistant Healthcare 39,620 USD

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in the U.S. is approximately $39,620 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Certified Nursing Assistants may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$49,525
Senior11+ years$43,582
Experienced6-10 years$39,620
Mid Level3-5 years$35,658
Entry Level0-2 years$29,715

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified Nursing Assistants can advance their careers by obtaining further nursing education and becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Additional certifications in specialized care areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or palliative care can also enhance career opportunities and responsibilities.

Certified Nursing Assistant: Work Environment

CNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and patients' homes. The job is physically demanding and can be emotionally taxing, but also deeply fulfilling as it involves helping people in need. Work shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays, with the possibility of long hours depending on the facility's needs and emergencies.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Certified Nursing Assistant job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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