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

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to assist patients with daily living activities and support nursing staff. This includes helping patients with basic needs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating. Additionally, CNAs play a vital role in providing comfort and companionship to patients, which enhances their overall well-being.

By supporting nursing staff, CNAs ensure that healthcare facilities operate smoothly. They often act as a bridge between patients and nurses, effectively communicating patient needs and observing any changes in a patient’s condition that may require nursing intervention. Their work is foundational to patient care, as it allows nurses to focus on more complex medical tasks while ensuring that patients' basic needs are met.

Other options, such as managing medications, providing physical therapy, or diagnosing medical conditions, fall outside the scope of a CNA's responsibilities and are generally performed by licensed professionals such as registered nurses or physical therapists. This distinction underscores the essential role that CNAs play within the healthcare team, focusing on hands-on patient care and support.