What it means
A member of the UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry group. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) has finished a state-approved training course and passed a test. Typical tasks are bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, moving and walking clients, making beds, and measuring vital signs, weight and intake and output for stable clients.
For the nurse
Delegate routine care for stable clients, give clear instructions, and ask the assistant to report specific findings back to you. Assessment, teaching and judgment stay with the nurse.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CNA; NA |
|---|---|
| Also written | certified nursing assistant, CNA, CNAs, nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants, nursing-assistants |
Related terms
UAP
Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
licensed practical nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-PN and is licensed to give basic nursing care under an RN or other provider.