What is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare professional who provides direct, hands-on care to patients and residents in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health. CNAs assist with essential daily activities—bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility—and monitor vital signs, report changes in condition, and support clinical staff with basic medical tasks.

CNAs are vital to the healthcare system because they deliver continuous, compassionate care that preserves patient dignity and comfort. They form the front line of observation, often identifying early changes in a patient’s condition that inform clinical decisions. By handling routine but essential tasks, CNAs enable nurses and other clinicians to focus on complex care, improving workflow efficiency and overall patient outcomes. Their role strengthens patient safety, supports recovery and quality of life, and sustains the daily functioning of healthcare teams.