Job Title: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Reports To: Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Department: Nursing / Patient Care

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care to patients/residents under the supervision of the nursing staff. This role is essential to the daily well-being of patients, assisting them with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitoring their health status, and ensuring a safe, compassionate, and hygienic environment. The CNA acts as the eyes and ears of the nursing team, reporting critical changes in patient conditions immediately.

Key Responsibilities

1. Patient Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Assist patients with personal hygiene, including bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
Help patients with mobility, including turning, repositioning in bed, and transferring from bed to wheelchair (using mechanical lifts when necessary).
Assist with feeding and hydration; document food and fluid intake.
Change bed linens and maintain a clean, tidy, and sanitized patient environment.
Answer call lights promptly and attend to patient needs effectively.

2. Clinical Monitoring & Support

Measure and record vital signs accurately (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, and oxygen saturation).
Measure and record patient weight and height.
Collect non-invasive biological specimens (e.g., urine, stool, sputum) as directed by the nursing staff.
Assist nurses with medical procedures and emergency situations as requested.

3. Observation & Documentation

Observe patients for changes in physical, mental, or emotional condition (e.g., skin breakdown, behavioral changes, signs of pain).
Report any changes or concerns immediately to the supervising nurse.
Accurately document care provided, vital signs, and intake/output in the electronic medical record (EMR) or paper charts.

4. Safety & Infection Control

Adhere strictly to infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Follow safety guidelines for patient transfers and fall prevention.
Maintain patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Qualifications

Education & Certification:

Required: High School Diploma or GED.
Required: Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program.
Required: Current, active CNA state certification/license in good standing.
Required: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification (American Heart Association or Red Cross preferred).

Experience:

Previous experience in a hospital, long-term care, or assisted living setting is preferred but often not required for entry-level positions.

Key Skills

Compassion & Empathy: Ability to provide care with dignity and respect, often to vulnerable individuals.
Communication: Strong verbal communication to relay patient information to nurses and speak clearly with patients and families.
Observation: Acute attention to detail to notice subtle changes in a patient’s health.
Stamina: Ability to handle the physical demands of the job (see below).
Reliability: Punctuality and dependability are critical in a shift-based healthcare environment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods (8–12 hour shifts).
Ability to lift, turn, and transfer patients (must be able to lift up to 50 lbs or more with assistance).
Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and pushing/pulling of equipment (wheelchairs, beds, carts).

Work Environment

Work is performed in a clinical setting (Hospital, Nursing Home, Rehabilitation Center).
May involve exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and unpleasant odors (standard safety precautions provided).
Schedule may include weekends, nights, holidays, and rotating shifts.

Job Category: LPN

Job Type: Full Time