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

The primary responsibility of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to provide basic patient care and assist with daily living activities. This encompasses a wide range of tasks that are crucial for the daily functioning and comfort of patients, such as helping with bathing, grooming, feeding, and mobility. CNAs play a vital role in ensuring that patients' needs are met and that they receive the necessary support to maintain their dignity and quality of life.

The nature of this responsibility is fundamental because CNAs often are on the front lines of patient care in healthcare settings, spending significant time with patients and observing any changes in their conditions. This allows them to report important information to nurses or other medical staff, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care.

Other roles mentioned, such as administering medications, diagnosing medical conditions, and leading physical therapy sessions, are tasks that typically fall within the scope of practice for nurses or other trained healthcare professionals, not CNAs. This distinction clarifies the focus of the CNA's role, which is primarily oriented towards basic care and support.