Quick Reference
Scope of Practice
CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing professionals.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Providing hygiene, mobility, and comfort care.
- Measuring and recording vital signs and intake/output.
- Supporting emotional, cognitive, and restorative care needs.
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition.
- Reinforcing instructions provided by licensed staff.
Certification Requirements (California)
- Complete a CDPH-approved training program.
- Complete 160 training hours:
- 60 hours classroom theory.
- 100 hours supervised clinical training.
- Pass the required knowledge and clinical skills competency examinations.
- Complete criminal background clearance.
Certification Renewal
- Renew certification every 2 years.
- Complete 48 hours of approved in-service training/CEUs:
- At least 12 hours each year.
- Maximum 24 hours through approved online programs.
- Perform qualifying paid nursing or nursing-related work under licensed supervision during the certification period.
- Maintain criminal record clearance.
Nurse Aide Registry
- California maintains a certification registry through CDPH.
- Employers can verify certification status.
- The registry may display active, denied, suspended, or revoked certification statuses.
Important Considerations
- Work within your training, authorized scope, and facility policies.
- CNAs do not independently diagnose, prescribe treatments, or develop nursing care plans.
- Clarify unfamiliar or unauthorized tasks with the supervising nurse.
- Report patient changes and safety concerns promptly.
- Maintain records of completed continuing education.
California SNF Orientation
California Title 22 §71833 requires 16 documented hours of orientation for certified and noncertified nurse assistants, completed within the first 40 hours of employment.
First 8 Hours:
- Completed before direct patient care.
- Facility layout, resident population, and routines.
- Equipment and communication systems.
- Emergency and disaster procedures.
Remaining 8 Hours: - Completed within the first 40 employment hours.
- Additional required facility-specific training, including patient care policies, resident rights, and CNA responsibilities.
Important: Facility orientation is separate from initial CNA certification training.
Teaching vs. Reinforcing
- CNAs reinforce care instructions provided by licensed professionals.
- Introducing new clinical teaching or independently changing treatment instructions is outside routine CNA responsibilities.
- Refer clinical questions requiring nursing judgment to the supervising nurse.
Professional Accountability
- Know and follow your authorized scope of practice.
- Clarify delegated tasks before performing them.
- Report changes in resident condition promptly.
- Communicate when assigned tasks cannot be completed safely.
Related
Sources
- California Department of Public Health — CNA Certification
- California Title 22 — Nurse Assistant Training
- CDPH 283A — Continuing Education Requirements
- CDPH 283C — CNA Renewal Requirements
Flashcards
Does CNA training permit independent nursing diagnosis or treatment planning?01-foundations / reference-guidelines
Answer
No; CNAs observe, perform authorized tasks, and report.