Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Giving and getting shift report
In room 214, the patient is on a fall-risk protocol and needs a two-person assist.
Report fall-risk and two-person-assist status.
Her last vitals were taken at 6 AM; blood pressure was a little high.
Report the last vitals time and anything abnormal.
Answering a call light
Hi, I'm your nursing assistant. How can I help you?
Introduce yourself and offer help.
Let me help you to the bathroom — take it slow, I've got you.
Assist to the bathroom and reassure them.
I can't change that medication, but I'll tell your nurse right away.
🔴 CNAs don't give meds; promise to tell the nurse (scope boundary).
Calling for help in an emergency
I need a nurse in room 214 now — the patient fell.
Patient fell → call the nurse immediately.
She's not responding — call a code, get help!
Unresponsive patient → call a code (emergency).
Talking with a patient's family
She had breakfast and a short walk this morning.
Share the day's care (within your role).
For questions about her medication, the nurse can explain best.
🔴 Defer clinical/medication questions to the nurse.
Reporting a change to the nurse
I need to report a change: the patient in 214 is more confused than this morning.
Report a change of condition (SBAR style).
His skin looks red over the tailbone — possible pressure area.
Report redness over the tailbone (possible pressure sore).
I recorded his intake and output on the chart.
Charting = documentation of intake/output.