An unlicensed person who provides nursing care. Licensed nurses (registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN)) express concern that the use of such individuals in place of licensed nurses will reduce the quality of care. Their suggested remedy is to require a certain ratio of licensed to unlicensed personnel in clinical nursing roles, the ratio varying depending on the clinical acuity levels of the patients under care.
An unlicensed nursing staff member who assists with basic patient care such as giving baths, checking vital signs, bedmaking, and positioning. Nursing assistants usually must complete a training course, including classroom instruction and clinical practice under supervision. Each state regulates nursing assistant practice. Nursing assistants who meet specified federal standards are referred to as certified nursing assistants (CNAs).