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What does a Certified Nurse Aide do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A certified nurse aide helps patients with activities of daily living and provides basic nursing care. They take vital signs, measure height and weight, and document patients' progress.

Certified Nurse Aide job duties include:

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom
  • Help patients move in and out of bed, onto chairs or toilets, and in and out of wheelchairs
  • Take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate
  • Serve meals to patients and help them eat if necessary
  • Help with personal hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth and combing hair
  • Turn or reposition bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
  • Answer patient calls for assistance and provide comfort and companionship
  • Perform light housekeeping tasks such as changing linens and tidying up the patient's room
  • Keep a watchful eye on patients' condition and report any changes to the nurse on duty

Certified Nurse Aide Job Requirements

There are a few job requirements for a Certified Nurse Aide. Firstly, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. Lastly, you will need to have at least one year of experience working as a nurse aide in a long-term care facility.

Certified Nurse Aide Skills

  • Patient care
  • Transferring patients
  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Providing personal care
  • Meal assistance
  • Toileting assistance
  • Ambulation assistance
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Documentation
  • Infection control
  • Safety

Related: Top Certified Nurse Aide Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Certified Nurse Aide

There are a few steps you must take to become a certified nurse aide. The first is to graduate from high school or earn your GED. Next, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation. Once you have done this, you will be placed on the state nurse aide registry and will be able to work in any long-term care facility in that state. Some states also require certification renewal every few years.

Related: Certified Nurse Aide Resume Example

Related: Certified Nurse Aide Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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