Job Summary
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is critical in providing direct patient care and support in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, CNAs assist residents with daily activities, monitor their well-being, and create a safe and comfortable environment for patients. CNAs are compassionate, attentive, and dedicated to ensuring residents' physical and emotional well-being.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient Care: Provide direct care to residents, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding. Help residents with mobility and transfers using proper lifting and positioning techniques. Observe and report any changes in residents' physical or mental condition to the nursing staff.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: Measure and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. Report any abnormal findings promptly to the nursing staff.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of residents' care, activities, and changes in condition. Complete necessary forms, charts, and reports as required by the facility's policies and procedures.
- Assisting with Medical Procedures: Assist nursing staff with procedures such as wound care, catheter care, and collection of specimens. Follow infection control protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment.
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL): Assist residents with their ADLs, including grooming, oral care, toileting, and ambulation. Encourage independence and self-care to the extent possible while providing necessary support and assistance.
- Emotional Support: Build rapport with residents and provide emotional support. Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance and comfort. Foster a positive and compassionate environment for residents.
- Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Ensure the safety of residents by following proper procedures for infection control, fall prevention, and emergency response. Respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
- Communication: Communicate effectively with residents, their families, and the healthcare team. Provide updates on residents' conditions, concerns, and needs. Collaborate with nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
- Resident Engagement: Engage residents in meaningful activities, such as socializing, recreation, and exercises. Encourage participation in therapeutic activities to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Compliance: Adhere to facility policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines. Follow all applicable laws and regulations related to patient care, privacy, and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Completing a state-approved Nursing Assistant training program and certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
- Current CPR certification.
- Knowledge of basic nursing principles and practices.
- Ability to follow instructions and work well within a healthcare team.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Compassionate, patient, and empathetic demeanor.
- Physical stamina and ability to lift and move patients safely.
- Excellent observation and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle stressful situations and adapt to changing priorities.
- Willingness to work in a Skilled Nursing Facility environment, including weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
Working Conditions
- Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
- Moves intermittently during working hours.
- Is subject to frequent interruptions.
- Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
- Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
- Communicate with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
- Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
- Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
- Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
- Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
- Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
- Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B viruses.
- May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.
Education
Must possess and maintain any and all necessary active and unencumbered certifications, degrees, or licenses in the necessary state, to the extent the position requires such certifications, degrees, or licenses.
Specific Requirements
- Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
- Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
- Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
- Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
- Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)
- Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
- Must be able to read, speak, and understandably write the English language.
- Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
- Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
- Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination if the position requires.
- Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
- Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
- May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.
All Other Duties as Assigned.
I understand this job description and its requirements; I understand that this is not an exclusive list of the job functions and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned; I understand the job functions may be altered by management without notice and that I am an at-will employee.
Accommodations
The facility is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes that an individual with a disability may require accommodation to enable the individual to successfully perform a job function. I understand that I should discuss with my supervisor any needed accommodation. I agree to cooperate with the facility in identifying and discussing any available reasonable accommodation that may enable me to perform the essential function(s) of my position.
