Certified Nursing Assistant

About the role

Provide medical or therapeutic care under the direction of nursing or clinical staff to ensure the well-being of patients and maintain a positive, supportive, and structured environment.

Responsibilities

• Complete patient observation rounds timely; may be assigned every 15 minutes, within reach of patient and/or provide 1:1 patient care.
• Ensure patient rooms are clean and uncluttered.
• Assist with transferring, lifting, raising, or turning patients.
• Obtain patient’s vital signs, height, and weight as assigned and ensure accurate documentation.
• Identify self to patient and visitors promptly and respond to patient requests quickly.
• Engage with patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
• Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of distress.
• Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient emotions, behavior, and participation in treatment.
• Assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
• Monitor behavioral improvements and reinforce these behaviors.
• Report changes and responses to treatment by communicating with the team; significant changes are reported to the nurse immediately.
• Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians, and therapists that promote improved physical and mental wellness.
• Ensure patient comfort, dignity, and privacy; perform related CNA duties such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, moving patients, or changing linens.
• Provide transfer or transportation for patients or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff as required.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and standards for patient care.
• Clean unit as assigned by professional staff, including equipment such as beds, IV poles, and wheelchairs.
• Document timely, accurate, and appropriate clinical information in the patient medical record.
• Collaborate with other staff in working with the population of the facility to treat and rehabilitate.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward patients, family members, guests, and the healthcare team.
• When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.
• Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
• Communicate clearly and effectively to patients, family members, guests, and other members of the healthcare team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional education or training resulting in certification as a nursing assistant per state requirements.
• Previous experience in a behavioral health setting and experience working with the population of the facility preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or license per state requirements.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.