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. This includes assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding patients, as well as helping them with mobility and basic hygiene. The focus of a CNA's responsibilities is centered on direct patient care, which is critical in ensuring the comfort and well-being of individuals in healthcare settings.

In contrast, administering medication typically falls under the responsibilities of licensed nursing staff, such as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who have received specific training and certification for this task. Surgical procedures are part of the responsibilities of surgeons and surgical teams, not CNAs, who do not perform such invasive tasks. Managing hospital admissions involves administrative duties that may include verifying patient information and coordinating their entry into the hospital, again, roles that would be outside the typical duties of a CNA. Therefore, the focus of a CNA on providing basic and compassionate care establishes their primary role in the healthcare environment.