Core Duties and Daily Tasks of Nursing Assistants
Nursing assistants, also called certified nursing assistants or CNAs, provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. They measure vital signs, assist with bathing and dressing, serve meals, reposition bedridden patients, and report changes to nurses. They also help with mobility, transfer patients using safe lifting techniques, and maintain clean patient rooms. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists nursing assistants under healthcare support occupations and notes that most work in nursing homes and hospitals. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook details typical tasks and supervision requirements for nursing assistants.
In hospitals, nursing assistants often work under the direction of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, supporting units such as medical-surgical, geriatric, and emergency departments. They document intake and output, assist with feeding, and help patients use call systems. In long-term care facilities, they provide ongoing personal care and build routine relationships with residents. Their scope of practice is defined by state regulations and facility policies, and they typically cannot perform procedures reserved for licensed nurses, such as administering medications or starting IV lines.
Work Settings, Employers, and Career Paths
Nursing assistants find employment across multiple care settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. The largest employers of nursing assistants include nursing and residential care facilities and hospitals, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Home health agencies also hire nursing assistants to support aging in place and post-acute care. Some large healthcare systems, such as HCA Healthcare and CommonSpirit Health, employ thousands of nursing assistants across their networks.
Career paths for nursing assistants can lead to licensed practical nurse or registered nurse roles through bridge programs. Many community colleges and workforce development boards offer CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN pathways. The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants promotes professional development and recognition for nursing assistants. Some nursing assistants move into specialized roles in dementia care, perioperative support, or hospice, often earning additional certifications through organizations such as the National Association of Health Assistants.
Certification, Pay, and Job Outlook
Most states require nursing assistants to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation to become certified. Programs typically include classroom instruction and clinical hours covering basic nursing skills, infection control, and patient rights. The federal government requires nursing assistants working in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities to complete an approved training program and pass a competency exam. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides resources on the Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program.
As of May 2024, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was about $35,000, with the top 10 percent earning over $45,000, according to BLS data. Job outlook for nursing assistants is projected to grow much faster than average, driven by an aging population and increased demand for long-term care. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects tens of thousands of annual openings for nursing assistants, many due to replacement needs. Pay and opportunities can vary by region, facility type, and experience level.