Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) fill a critical gap between patients and nurses – providing quality-of-life care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care and hospice facilities, and in residential settings. They also gather vital information about patients' conditions, which they relay to their supervisors, so their patients can get the care they need, when they need it.

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CNAs are licensed and regulated by (IDPH) Illinois Dept of Public Health as well as (IDFPR) Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation, and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and are tasked to provide personal and medical care under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN at one location for a number of residents or patients in a wing or facility. Other departments such as dietary or housekeeping will prepare meals, launder clothing and bedding and clean and disinfect the living and communal space. CNA's also work at homes of clients or patients. 

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In essence, a CNA's  duties and responsibilities are synonymous to that of a Caregiver though they can perform medical tasks such as:

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• Assisting nursing staff  like taking blood

• Monitoring vitals with medical equipment

• Reporting patient behavior and well being

•  Serve meals and help patients eat

• Turn or reposition patients who are bedridden

• Collect information about conditions and treatment plans from caregivers, nurses and doctors

• Provide and empty bedpans

• Lift patients into beds, wheelchairs, exam tables, etc.

• Answer patient calls

• Examine patients for bruises, blood in urine or other injuries/wounds

• Clean and sanitize patient areas

• Change bed sheets and restock rooms with necessary supplies