Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam: Member of the Health Care Team Concepts
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Overview
This chapter covers how the nurse aide fits into the health care team. Questions often ask who supervises the aide, what to do with an assignment, and which team member does what.
Nurse aides work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The care plan and the nurse's assignment tell the aide what care each resident needs. The aide's observations matter because the aide gives much of the direct daily care, and they help the team build the care plan.
If you are asked to do a task you were not trained for, politely tell the nurse and ask for help or training. If a concern about a resident is not addressed, follow the chain of command to the next supervisor. Plan your shift from the report and assignment so urgent needs come first.
Other team members include physical therapists (walking and strength), speech-language pathologists (speech and swallowing), dietitians, and social workers. Federal rules require at least 12 hours of in-service training a year for nurse aides, including dementia management and abuse prevention.
Key concepts
Licensed nurse
A registered nurse or licensed practical/vocational nurse who supervises the nurse aide's work.
Memory tipQuestions about care? Ask the nurse.
Care plan
A written plan made by the care team that lists a resident's needs, goals, and the care to be given.
Memory tipFollow the plan, report what you see.
Chain of command
The order of authority in a facility, used to take a concern to the next level when it is not resolved.
Memory tipNot fixed? Go one level up.
Physical therapist
A team member who helps residents with strength, walking, and movement.
Memory tipPT = walking and strength.
Speech-language pathologist
A team member who evaluates and treats problems with speech, language, and swallowing.
Memory tipSLP = speech and swallowing.
In-service training
Ongoing training for nurse aides of at least 12 hours a year, including dementia management and resident abuse prevention.
Memory tip12 hours every year.
Source: 42 CFR 483.95(g) · as of 2026
Often tested
- Do not do tasks you were not trained for; tell the nurse.
- Give a clear report to the next shift.
- Keep conflicts with coworkers away from residents.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. The nurse asks the aide to do a task the aide has not been trained to do. What should the aide do?
- ① Politely tell the nurse you have not been trained and ask for help or training
- ② Do it anyway so the nurse is not upset
- ③ Refuse and leave the unit
- ④ Ask the resident how to do it
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Answer: ① Politely tell the nurse you have not been trained and ask for help or training
Key point: Not trained for a task: tell the nurse, don't do it
Never do a task you are not trained for or that is outside your role. Explain this to the nurse respectfully so the task can be reassigned or you can be trained.
Wrong choices
- Do it anyway so the nurse is not upset: Doing a task without training can harm the resident.
- Refuse and leave the unit: Leaving can neglect residents; explain and ask for help instead.
- Ask the resident how to do it: The resident cannot train you to do care safely.
Question 2. Who supervises the nurse aide's work?
- ① Another nurse aide
- ② The dietitian
- ③ The resident's family
- ④ A licensed nurse
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Answer: ④ A licensed nurse
Key point: The nurse supervises the nurse aide
Nurse aides work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (a registered nurse or licensed practical/vocational nurse). Ask the nurse when you have questions about your assignment.
Wrong choices
- Another nurse aide: Nurse aides work under the supervision of licensed nurses.
- The dietitian: The dietitian plans diets but does not supervise nurse aides.
- The resident's family: Family members do not supervise staff.
Question 3. Where does the nurse aide find out what care a resident needs?
- ① The care plan and the assignment from the nurse
- ② A coworker's memory from last week
- ③ The resident's roommate
- ④ The aide's own guess
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Answer: ① The care plan and the assignment from the nurse
Key point: Follow the care plan and nurse's assignment
The care plan is written by the care team and lists each resident's needs and goals. The nurse's assignment tells you what to do on your shift. Follow them and report what you observe.
Wrong choices
- A coworker's memory from last week: Care needs can change; use the current care plan.
- The resident's roommate: The roommate does not decide the resident's care.
- The aide's own guess: Care must follow the plan, not guesses.
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