Is a certified nurses aid a licensed nurse?

No, a registered nurse can do the duties of any version of nursing training below their license level. So a registered nurse should know the abilities and skills required to be a CNA. The one difference is a registered nurse would be required to be more responsible by the Board of Nursing to be aware of any problems or changes than the CNA would be required (due to CNA's lack of training and the fact that ultimately the registered nurse is the one responsible for a CNA's actions if they are in charge of them). So for example, if you miss the fact that your patient is choking to death, a CNA would be less liable than that of a registered nurse due to the RN having the higher training.