12 Certified Nurse Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples
A certified nurse assistant (CNA) is a vital member of the healthcare team. They provide basic patient care and perform essential tasks. CNAs must have certain skills to be successful in their role. The 12 essential skills for CNAs are: 1. Communication 2. Patient Advocacy 3. Documentation 4. Infection Control 5. Safety 6. Vital Signs 7. Blood Pressure 8. Glucose Testing 9. Weight 10. Height 11. Body Mass Index 12. Head-to-Toe Assessment

Certified Nurse Assistant Skills
- Certified
- Nurse
- Assistant
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Organizational
- Documentation
- Nursing
- Procedures
- Patient
- Care
- Education
Certified
A certified nurse assistant (CNA) is a person who provides basic nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. CNAs are not licensed nurses, but they must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam before they can work.
CNAs perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients; taking vital signs; and moving patients in and out of bed. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Nurse
A certified nurse assistant, or CNA, is a trained medical professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. They may also provide home health care services.
CNAs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking vital signs, bathing and dressing patients, moving them in and out of bed, and providing emotional support. They also play an important role in communicating with patients and their families about their condition and care.
To become a CNA, one must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. Some states also require certification from the National Nurse Assistant Certification Program (NNAAP).
Assistant
The Certified Nurse Assistant skill is required in order to work as a nurse assistant in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. This skill is necessary in order to provide basic care to patients, including bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Communication
Communication is the process of sharing information between two or more people. It is a critical skill for certified nurse assistants (CNAs), as they must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. CNAs need to be able to listen carefully and understand what is being said, as well as ask questions and provide information when needed. Good communication skills can help CNAs build positive relationships with patients and families, and make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to care.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal skills are the skills that we use to interact with other people. They include communication, empathy, and teamwork. As a certified nurse assistant, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. You will also need to be able to work well as part of a team.
Organizational
The ability to organize is important for a Certified Nurse Assistant because they need to be able to keep track of patients, their medications, and their schedules. This skill helps them to provide quality care to their patients.
Documentation
Documentation is a critical skill for certified nurse assistants (CNAs). Good documentation can help to ensure that patients receive the care they need and that CNAs are able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
Nursing
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) skill is needed in order to provide basic nursing care to patients. This may include tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing emotional support. CNAs must be able to effectively communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team in order to provide quality care.
Procedures
The certified nurse assistant (CNA) skillset includes a variety of procedures that are essential for providing quality patient care. These skills are necessary in order to safely and effectively perform tasks such as taking vital signs, transferring patients, providing personal care, and more. By mastering these skills, CNAs can help to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care.
Patient
The ability to provide excellent patient care is essential for any certified nurse assistant (CNA). This includes being able to effectively communicate with patients, providing them with emotional support, and ensuring that their physical needs are met. Providing high-quality patient care requires a strong foundation in basic nursing skills, as well as a deep understanding of the unique needs of each individual patient.
Care
A certified nurse assistant (CNA) is a health care professional who provides basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.
CNAs must have a caring personality and the ability to empathize with patients. They must also be able to perform physical tasks, such as lifting and moving patients. In addition, CNAs must be able to follow instructions from licensed nurses and doctors.
Education
The education requirement for certified nurse assistants (CNAs) varies by state, but most states require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states also require CNAs to complete an accredited training program and pass a competency exam.
How to improve certified nurse assistant skills
As a certified nurse assistant (CNA), you play a vital role in providing quality care to patients in a variety of settings. In order to provide the best possible care, it is important to continuously update and improve your skills. There are many ways to do this, and the following are just a few suggestions:
1. Stay up-to-date on new developments in nursing. Technology and medical knowledge are always advancing, so it is important to keep up with the latest information. One way to do this is to read nursing journals or attend conferences and seminars.
2. Take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who take courses related to their job. Even if your employer does not offer this benefit, there are many affordable online courses available that can help you stay sharp and improve your skills.
3. Get involved in your professional organization. The National Association of Certified Nurse Assistants (NACNA) offers many resources for CNAs, including educational materials, networking opportunities, and advocacy support. Getting involved in your professional organization can help you stay current on best practices and connect with other professionals who can provide support and advice.
4. Seek out mentorship opportunities. Many experienced CNAs are willing to share their knowledge with those who are just starting out in the field. Seeking out a mentor can help you learn from someone else’s experience and get guidance on how to handle challenging situations.
5. Be open to feedback. When caring for patients, it is important to always be open to feedback from those you are caring for or from supervisors. This feedback can be used to improve your skills and better meet the needs of those you are caring for.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can continuously update and improve your skills as a CNA so that you can provide the best possible care for those under your care.
How to highlight certified nurse assistant skills
You will want to highlight your skills as a Certified Nurse Assistant in your resume and during interviews. You can discuss your experience with providing direct patient care, taking vitals signs, and assisting with activities of daily living. You can also highlight any additional training you have received, such as CPR or first aid. Be sure to emphasize your compassionate nature and your ability to work well under pressure.
On a resume
As a certified nurse assistant, you have a variety of skills that can be highlighted on your resume. These skills include: providing basic patient care, taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and more. When listing your skills on your resume, be sure to include any relevant certification or training you have received. You should also list any experience you have working in a healthcare setting.
In a cover letter
In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Certified Nurse Assistant. Include your experience working with patients, as well as your training and certification. Mention any special skills or qualifications you have that make you a good fit for the position. Be sure to emphasize your commitment to providing quality patient care.
During an interview
As a Certified Nurse Assistant, you will be responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Your duties will include taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, providing patient education, and documenting patient care. During your interview, highlight your clinical skills and experience, as well as your ability to effectively communicate with patients and families. Be sure to provide specific examples of how you have provided excellent patient care in the past.