A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides much of the hands-on daily care in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living communities and homes. CNAs often notice small changes in a patient’s condition first and report them to the nurse.
Below are four sample CNA job descriptions you can adapt, whether you are writing a posting or learning what employers expect. Replace each [bracket] with your own details.
AdvertisementUse the free builder after the samples to create your own job description, then print it or copy it.
CNA Job Description Samples
Quick jump: Entry levelLong-term careHospitalHome health
Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant
Summary: [Company] seeks a caring, reliable CNA to join our care team and provide daily hands-on care under the supervision of licensed nurses. We train new CNAs and pair them with an experienced mentor for the first [number] weeks.
Duties
- Help residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care and toileting
- Assist residents with meals, fluids and eating, and record intake
- Measure and record vital signs and report changes to the nurse
- Reposition and transfer residents safely using gait belts and lifts
- Walk residents and encourage movement as the care plan directs
- Check skin for redness and report concerns to the nurse
- Answer call lights promptly and respond to residents’ requests
- Change linens and keep rooms clean, safe and free of fall hazards
- Document care accurately and on time
- Protect resident privacy and follow all infection control procedures
Requirements
- Completion of a state-approved CNA program
- Active state CNA certification and registry listing
- CPR or Basic Life Support card
- Ability to follow care plans and written instructions
- Clear, respectful communication with residents, families and staff
- Reliable attendance and a positive attitude
Preferred
- Clinical hours completed in long-term care
- Experience caring for older adults, such as volunteering or family caregiving
- Basic computer skills for electronic charting
- Bilingual skills, where helpful for our residents
Physical demands
- Lift and move residents, with help and equipment, up to [number] pounds
- Stand and walk for most of the shift
- Bend, kneel and reach during daily care
Schedule and work environment
- Shifts: [day, evening or night], including some weekends and holidays
- Team of nurses and aides on each unit
- Work is supervised by a licensed nurse
What we offer
- Hourly pay of [pay range], based on experience
- Paid orientation and mentoring
- Health benefits and paid time off [if offered]
- Tuition help for nursing school [if offered]
Certified Nursing Assistant, Long-Term Care
Summary: [Company] seeks a dependable CNA to care for up to [number] residents per shift and support a close-knit nursing team. The right person is patient, observant and committed to dignified care.
Duties
- Provide daily care and help residents keep their routines
- Measure vital signs and report abnormal readings right away
- Support residents with dementia using calm, patient communication
- Help residents take part in meals, activities and outings
- Prevent falls with safe transfers, repositioning and room checks
- Record intake and output and complete charting before the end of each shift
- Share information about residents at shift change
- Welcome new residents and help them settle in
- Communicate kindly with family members and refer medical questions to the nurse
- Follow resident rights, privacy rules and facility policies
Requirements
- [Number] years of CNA experience
- Active state CNA certification and registry listing
- CPR or Basic Life Support card
- Knowledge of infection control and safe lifting
- Accurate documentation skills
- Strong teamwork and communication
Preferred
- Dementia care training
- Experience with electronic charting
- Experience with lift equipment and restorative care
- Ability to mentor new aides
Physical demands
- Lift and move residents, with help and equipment, up to [number] pounds
- Stand and walk for most of the shift
- Work calmly in a busy environment
Schedule and work environment
- Shifts: [hours and days], with rotating weekends and holidays
- Care for up to [number] residents per shift
- Teamwork with nurses, therapists and activity staff
What we offer
- Hourly pay of [pay range], with shift differentials [if offered]
- Health benefits and paid time off [if offered]
- Paid training in dementia care [if offered]
- Recognition programs for outstanding care
Certified Nursing Assistant, Hospital
Summary: [Company] seeks a CNA to assist nurses on a busy [unit] and care for up to [number] patients per shift. You will help patients stay comfortable, safe and ready for tests and discharge.
Duties
- Help patients with hygiene, dressing, toileting and meals
- Take vital signs and track intake and output
- Assist with admissions, discharges and patient transfers
- Help patients walk and move safely as ordered
- Respond to call lights and report patient concerns to the nurse
- Keep rooms safe, clean and stocked
- Transport patients within the unit or to tests when assigned
- Stay with patients who need continuous observation, as assigned
- Document care in the electronic record
- Follow infection control, isolation and safety procedures
Requirements
- Active state CNA certification and registry listing
- BLS certification
- Ability to lift and move patients safely
- Clear communication with nurses and the care team
- Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced setting
- Professional, respectful manner with patients and families
Preferred
- Hospital or acute care experience
- Familiarity with electronic health records
- Experience on a medical-surgical, telemetry or rehabilitation unit
- Willingness to float to other units as needed
Physical demands
- Lift and move patients, with help and equipment, up to [number] pounds
- Stand and walk for most of a [number]-hour shift
- Respond quickly when patients need help
Schedule and work environment
- Shifts: [12-hour or 8-hour], including nights, weekends and holidays
- Care for up to [number] patients per shift
- Work under the supervision of registered nurses
What we offer
- Hourly pay of [pay range], with shift differentials [if offered]
- Health benefits and paid time off [if offered]
- Tuition support and career ladder to nursing [if offered]
- Paid orientation on the unit
Home Health Certified Nursing Assistant
Summary: [Company] seeks a reliable CNA to provide one-on-one care for clients in their homes and report to a supervising nurse. You will help clients stay safe and independent in a familiar place.
Duties
- Provide personal care, including bathing, dressing, toileting and grooming
- Prepare simple meals that match client diets, and help with eating
- Help clients walk, transfer and exercise as the care plan directs
- Observe and report changes in a client’s condition to the supervising nurse
- Teach family caregivers simple safety steps within your role
- Complete visit notes after every visit
- Keep the home safe, clean and free of fall hazards
- Follow infection control and safety procedures in every home
- Provide companionship and emotional support
- Respect client privacy and family wishes
Requirements
- Active state CNA certification and registry listing
- CPR or Basic Life Support card
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
- Ability to work independently and manage time well
- Clear written notes and communication with supervisors
- Patience and respect for clients’ homes and routines
Preferred
- Experience in home care or assisted living
- Bilingual skills, where helpful for our clients
- Experience with dementia or post-hospital care
- Comfort with mobile apps for visit notes
Physical demands
- Lift and assist clients, with help and equipment, up to [number] pounds
- Walk, bend and stand for long periods
- Travel between visits throughout the day
Schedule and work environment
- Visits: [early, daytime or evening], with about [number] visits a day
- Work in clients’ homes, with a supervising nurse available by phone
- Weekend visits as scheduled
What we offer
- Hourly pay of [pay range], with mileage or travel pay [if offered]
- Flexible scheduling where possible
- Health benefits and paid time off [if offered]
- Paid training and ongoing support from nurse supervisors
Free CNA Job Description Builder
Step 1. What is your experience level?
Step 2. Where will the person work?
Step 3. Tap the duties to include. Six fit on one printed page, so choose the ones that matter most.
Step 4. Click any text in the plan and type to make it yours.
Replace every [bracket] with your own details. Keep the duties real and the requirements fair.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description
[Your Full Name] | [Company] | [Location] | [How to apply]
Position summary and requirements
Job title: Certified Nursing Assistant (Entry Level). [Company] seeks a caring, reliable CNA to provide daily hands-on care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Requirements: completion of a state-approved CNA program; active state CNA certification and registry listing; CPR or Basic Life Support; ability to lift and move patients safely.
Job title: Certified Nursing Assistant. [Company] seeks a dependable CNA to provide daily care, measure vital signs, document accurately and report changes to the nurse. Requirements: [number] years of CNA experience; active state CNA certification; CPR or Basic Life Support; strong communication and teamwork.
Job title: Lead Certified Nursing Assistant. [Company] seeks an experienced CNA to guide aides, support new hires and help keep care consistent across shifts. Requirements: [number] or more years of CNA experience; active state CNA certification; CPR or Basic Life Support; strong communication and the ability to train others.
Work environment
Work environment: long-term care community. Care for up to [number] residents per shift with a team of nurses and aides. Schedule: [hours and days].
Work environment: hospital unit. Care for up to [number] patients per shift with nurses, therapists and other staff. Schedule: [hours and days].
Work environment: home health or assisted living. Provide care for [number] clients a day and report to a supervising nurse. Location and travel: [details].
Key duties
- Daily care: Help residents or patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and eating, following each care plan.
- Mobility and safety: Reposition, transfer and walk patients safely, use lift equipment and prevent falls.
- Vital signs: Measure and record vital signs and report abnormal readings to the nurse right away.
- Documentation: Record care, intake and output accurately and on time, and report changes in condition.
- Infection control: Follow hand hygiene, protective equipment and cleaning procedures.
- Comfort and dignity: Provide comfort and emotional support, respect privacy and treat everyone with dignity.
- Meals and fluids: Serve meals, help with eating, encourage fluids and record intake.
- Skin and hygiene: Provide bathing, grooming and oral care, and report skin changes to the nurse.
- Environment: Keep rooms clean, stocked and free of fall hazards, and answer call lights promptly.
- Teamwork: Share information at shift change and work closely with nurses and the care team.
Preferred credentials
[Certification, if preferred]
Physical demands
Lift and move patients with help and equipment up to [number] pounds, and stand and walk for most of the shift.
Schedule
[Shifts, weekends and holidays]
What we offer
[Pay range, benefits and training]
Systems used
[Electronic health record system]
To save: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the job description prints. To copy part of it, select the text and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Key Responsibilities
| Area | Typical duties |
|---|---|
| Daily care | Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meals |
| Mobility | Transfers, repositioning, walking |
| Monitoring | Vital signs and changes in condition |
| Documentation | Chart care and report to the nurse |
| Safety | Infection control and fall prevention |
| Comfort | Emotional support and dignity |
Requirements to Become a CNA
- Check your state’s rules. Program length, hours, age and background checks vary.
- Complete a state-approved program. It combines classroom lessons and supervised clinical work. For nursing homes, federal rules set a minimum of 75 clock hours with at least 16 supervised practical hours (42 CFR 483.152).
- Pass the state competency exam.
- Get on your state registry. The BLS says passing places nursing assistants on a state registry, which is required to work in a nursing home.
- Keep your credentials current. Some states require continuing education or a background check.
Skills Employers Look For
- Compassion and patience: treat every resident with respect.
- Communication: listen well and report clearly to nurses.
- Attention to detail: record vital signs and care accurately.
- Physical stamina: stand, lift and move safely for a full shift.
- Dependability: arrive on time and follow care plans.
See our full list of CNA skills for a resume.
Work Environment
The BLS says nursing assistants work under the supervision of licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses. Most of the work is spent on your feet, with frequent lifting and moving of patients, and nursing assistants have one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations. Some CNAs work nights, weekends and holidays. State the schedule and physical demands clearly in the posting.
| Where nursing assistants work (2025) | Share |
|---|---|
| Nursing care facilities | 36% |
| Hospitals | 32% |
| Continuing care and assisted living | 11% |
| Home healthcare services | 5% |
Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports these May 2025 wages for nursing assistants. Pay varies by state, employer, shift and experience.
| Pay measure (May 2025) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median, nursing assistants | $42,260 |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $33,940 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $51,980 |
The BLS projects 3 percent employment growth for nursing assistants and orderlies from 2025 to 2035, with about 203,300 openings a year on average for the group.
Career Paths
- Specialize in geriatric care, rehabilitation, hospice or memory care.
- Add a medication assistant credential where your state offers one.
- Continue your education to become an LPN or RN, which requires more education and a license.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing duties outside a CNA’s scope. See our CNA scope of practice guide.
- Hiding physical demands. Say what lifting is required and what equipment is provided.
- Leaving out the schedule. State shifts, weekends and holidays.
- Vague requirements. Name the certification and registry requirement.
- Typos. Proofread twice, or use our free proofreading service.
CNA Job Description Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your job description is ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CNA do?
A certified nursing assistant provides basic, hands-on care under the supervision of licensed nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists cleaning and bathing patients, helping them use the toilet and get dressed, turning and moving them, measuring vital signs, serving meals and reporting health concerns to nurses.
What education do you need to be a CNA?
Most CNAs complete a state-approved training program and pass the state competency exam. Requirements such as age, hours and background checks vary by state, so check your state’s rules.
How long does it take to become a CNA?
It depends on your state and program, often a few weeks to a few months. For nursing homes, federal rules set a minimum of 75 clock hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, and many states require more.
How much do CNAs make?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $42,260 for nursing assistants, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $33,940 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $51,980. Pay varies by state, employer and shift.
Are CNAs in demand?
The BLS projects 3 percent employment growth for nursing assistants and orderlies from 2025 to 2035, with about 203,300 openings a year on average for the group.
Who supervises CNAs?
The BLS says nursing assistants work as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses.
Can a CNA give medications?
It depends on training level and state. Many CNAs may not, so check your state rules and your employer’s written policy.
Is the CNA job physically demanding?
Yes. The BLS says the work involves much time on your feet and frequent lifting and moving of patients, and that nursing assistants have one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations. Safe lifting training and equipment matter.
Can a CNA become a nurse?
Yes. CNA experience helps in nursing school and interviews, but LPN or RN licensing requires additional education and a license.
What should I include in a CNA job description?
A clear title, a short summary, duties, required and preferred qualifications, the work environment and schedule, physical demands, pay or pay range if you can share it, and how to apply.
Conclusion
A good CNA job description is clear, honest and specific. Describe the real duties, the work environment and the physical demands, and name the certification you require. Then use the builder above to write yours.
Related Reading
- CNA scope of practice
- CNA job posting sample
- 20 CNA resume headline examples
- CNA resume sample
- Top CNA skills for your resume
- CNA resume summary examples
- Entry-level CNA cover letter
- CNA interview questions and answers
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nursing Assistants and Orderlies (May 2025 wages; 2025 employment shares; 2025 to 2035 outlook); federal nurse aide training rule, 42 CFR 483.152 (2009 edition; check the current eCFR text). Sample job descriptions are fictional. Pay and rules vary by state and employer. This page is general information and does not guarantee a job or pay.