CNA Essential Skills

01Normal Vital Sign Ranges

Normal adult ranges at rest: temperature 97.8-99°F (36.5-37.2°C), pulse 60-100 beats/min, respirations 12-20 breaths/min, blood pressure roughly 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. Report a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) or a pulse below 60 or above 100 to the nurse.

02Hand Hygiene & Infection Control

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) is acceptable for most care moments, but soap-and-water handwashing is required when hands are visibly soiled and for organisms like C. difficile and norovirus, which alcohol does not reliably kill.

03Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

ADLs are the basic self-care tasks CNAs assist with: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating. Encourage residents to do as much for themselves as safely possible to support independence and dignity.

04Safe Transfers & Fall Prevention

Before transferring a resident, lower the bed to its lowest position, lock the wheels, and put on nonskid footwear. Apply the gait/transfer belt snugly over clothing (never bare skin), and never let go of the belt until the resident is safely seated.

05When & What to Report to the Nurse

Report promptly: abnormal vital signs, new or worsening pain, new skin redness or breakdown, falls, a change in mental status, or a resident's refusal of care. CNAs report and document objectively; they do not diagnose or give medications.

06Physical Restraints

Per CMS rules, restraints are a last resort used only for a documented medical symptom after less restrictive measures fail, require a physician's order tied to the care plan, and can never be ordered PRN ("as needed") or used for staff convenience or discipline.