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

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. The CNA plays a vital role in the healthcare team, offering essential support to nurses and ensuring patient comfort and safety.

In this role, the CNA must communicate effectively with both patients and nursing staff, helping to report changes in a patient's condition and facilitating the overall care process. The emphasis on working under supervision ensures that CNAs operate within their scope of practice, providing vital support while allowing trained nurses to handle more complex medical tasks.

The other options outline responsibilities that do not align with the CNA's role. Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medication are functions of licensed healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Performing complex medical procedures independently is also outside the scope of a CNA’s training, which focuses on basic care rather than advanced medical techniques. Additionally, managing hospital administration and billing involves administrative roles that are not part of a CNA's primary duties, which are centered on direct patient interaction and support.