Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a key role in the caregiving process, especially when it involves caring for a family member. However, even with a broad range of responsibilities, CNAs must adhere to certain limitations regarding what they can and cannot do.
If you’re considering becoming a parent CNA, it’s important to understand these boundaries to make sure of the best care for your loved ones. So, what are CNAs not allowed to do? Let’s explore the restrictions of this caregiving role.
Direct Medical Procedures
CNAs are not allowed to perform invasive medical procedures or treatments that require advanced medical training. For instance, they cannot administer injections, including insulin, or handle tube feeding.
These tasks are generally reserved for licensed nurses or other healthcare professionals who have the necessary medical expertise. CNAs can change basic wound dressings but are not allowed to treat open wounds that require more intensive care.
Medication Administration Limits
Although CNAs can assist with basic medication management, such as handing out oral medications after receiving specialized training, they are not permitted to administer certain types of medication, particularly injections. Administering intravenous (IV) medications or complex drug treatments is outside their scope of practice. Tasks like these require oversight from licensed nurses or healthcare providers.
Diagnosing Medical Conditions
CNAs cannot diagnose illnesses or medical conditions. Their role is supportive, involving assistance with daily activities and reporting any changes in a patient’s condition to the supervising nurse or doctor. This means that CNAs must accurately observe and report symptoms without attempting to bring a medical diagnosis.
Performing Assessments or Evaluations
Although CNAs are deeply involved in patient care, they cannot perform comprehensive health assessments. For example, in In-Home Supportive Services settings, CNAs monitor vital signs and report changes, but formal evaluations of the patient’s condition must be done by a nurse or healthcare professional. CNAs are trained to assist in patient care but not to determine care plans or make adjustments to treatment protocols.
Handling Complex Medical Equipment
Certain medical equipment, such as ventilators or dialysis machines, must be managed by trained professionals. CNAs can assist with simpler tasks such as moving patients or bringing basic care, but when it comes to operating or troubleshooting advanced medical equipment, their role is limited. In such cases, their responsibility is to assist the primary medical staff who are trained in handling such equipment.
Providing Specialized Therapy
Physical, occupational, or speech therapies require specialized training and certification. While CNAs can assist with some mobility-related tasks, such as helping patients walk or exercise under supervision, they cannot perform therapeutic interventions that are typically given by certified therapists. For example, while CNAs might help set up therapy sessions in a Colorado parent-certified nursing assistant (CNA) program, the therapy itself must be provided by a licensed therapist.
Voyager Home Health Care delivers tailored support to make sure you can deliver high-quality care to your loved one while maintaining peace of mind. With our prompt responses, 24/7 availability, and commitment to delivering the best services, we empower you to focus on what truly matters—your family.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can help make your caregiving journey smoother.
