It’s one of the most common things you’ll encounter as a CNA, yet it’s also one of the easiest things to overlook if you’re not paying attention.
Now let me be clear… CNAs are not responsible for assessing pain. That’s the nurse’s role. But that doesn’t mean pain isn’t your concern. As a CNA, you’re often the person spending the most time with the resident or patient. You’re helping with bathing, dressing, repositioning, toileting, meals, and countless other daily activities. You’re at the bedside. You’re having conversations. You’re seeing things that other members of the healthcare team may not see. That’s why your role is so important.
If a resident tells you they’re in pain, don’t ignore it or assume someone else will take care of it. Start by asking a couple of simple questions: “Where is your pain?” “On a scale of 0 to 10, how bad is it?” Then report that information to the nurse right away.
But here’s where your observation skills really matter… What if your resident has dementia? What if they’re confused or unable to tell you they’re hurting? Now you must rely on something else. You must pay attention. Look for the signs. Are they grimacing? Are they restless? Are they moaning? Did they pull away when you touched them? Have they suddenly become quiet, withdrawn, or unusually agitated? Sometimes those behaviors are their only way of saying, “I’m in pain.”
As a CNA, your job isn’t to diagnose the problem or decide how to treat it. Your job is to observe, recognize, and report. That is advocacy.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is when people become so focused on completing their tasks is that they forget to look at the person they’re caring for. Don’t let that be you.
The best CNAs don’t just complete assignments, they notice changes. They ask questions. They speak up. They understand that their observations can make a real difference in a patient’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being.
One Last Thought… Imagine your mother, father, spouse, or grandparent was lying in that bed, unable to tell anyone they were hurting. Wouldn’t you hope the person caring for them noticed the signs?
Be that CNA. Because sometimes the greatest act of compassion isn’t what you do…
It’s what you notice.
Your Nurse Aide Instructor,
Ms. Grant