Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary
A certified nursing assistant provides hands-on care to patients or residents, helping with bathing, dressing, eating and moving, while tracking vital signs and reporting changes to nurses. It's physically demanding work built on direct contact with patients throughout a shift.
CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and home care, so the pace and patient needs differ: hospital CNAs often support faster patient turnover, while long-term care CNAs build longer relationships with residents. Certification requirements are set at the state level, so job descriptions should name the specific credential required.
Certified Nursing Assistant job description template
Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.
Template · replace the [brackets]
Certified Nursing Assistant
[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]
About [Company]
[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a certified nursing assistant to provide direct care to patients in [facility / unit]. You'll help with daily activities, monitor vital signs and support the nursing team in delivering safe, respectful care.
What you'll do
- Assist patients with bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.
- Help patients move, transfer and reposition to prevent pressure injuries.
- Take and record vital signs, and report changes to the nursing staff.
- Assist with feeding and monitor food and fluid intake.
- Maintain a clean, safe environment and change linens as needed.
- Document care provided accurately in patient records.
- Respond to call lights and patient requests promptly.
- Support patients emotionally with a calm, respectful manner.
What you'll bring
- State CNA certification, current and in good standing.
- High school diploma or its equivalent.
- [X]+ months of CNA experience preferred, new graduates welcome.
- Physical stamina for lifting, standing and walking through a shift.
- Clear communication with patients, families and nursing staff.
- Patience and compassion when working with ill or elderly patients.
Nice to have
- CPR and first aid certification.
- Experience with [dementia care / rehabilitation / pediatrics].
- Bilingual ability to assist with patients.
- Experience with electronic health record systems.
What we offer
- [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
- [Health insurance, shift differentials, tuition assistance toward LPN or RN programs]
- [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
- [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]
[Our process: an application review, a phone screen, an in-person interview with the nursing manager, and a background check and health screening before an offer.]
[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]
Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.
Certified Nursing Assistant duties by seniority
What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.
Junior
- Assists with basic daily care tasks under supervision.
- Takes routine vital signs and reports observations to nurses.
- Learns facility procedures and documentation standards.
Mid-level
- Handles a full patient load with minimal supervision.
- Assists with more complex care needs, such as wound dressing support.
- Mentors new CNAs on daily routines.
Senior
- Takes on lead CNA duties, coordinating care assignments for a shift.
- Trains incoming CNAs and models best practices.
- Flags care quality or safety concerns to nursing leadership.
Certified Nursing Assistant career path
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Senior CNA
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
CNA is a common entry point into healthcare, reached through a short state-approved training program and certification exam. Many CNAs use the role to gain clinical experience before pursuing LPN or RN licensure.
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Certified Nursing Assistant job description FAQ
What does a certified nursing assistant do?
Provides direct patient care including bathing, dressing, feeding and moving patients, takes vital signs and reports changes to nurses, working under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.
What skills should a CNA job description require?
Current state CNA certification, physical stamina for an active shift, and clear communication with patients and nursing staff. CPR certification and experience with specific patient populations are useful nice-to-haves.
Is CNA an entry-level job?
Yes, it typically requires only a short state-approved training program and certification exam, making it a common first job in healthcare. Many CNAs use it as a step toward LPN or RN licensure.