Certified Nursing Assistant-Dogwood Unit

About the role

Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state‑of‑the‑art psychiatric facility operating since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The 302‑bed Joint Commission‑accredited hospital is located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, about 30 minutes from major university towns and affiliated with the University of Virginia’s Department of Psychiatric Medicine. WSH serves as a training site for nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy students. The Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) position on the Dogwood Unit provides direct patient care in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital setting for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts, supporting recovery‑oriented care while maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Provide one‑on‑one direct observations.
• Utilize de‑escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.
• Ability to administer CPR and perform TOVA‑approved physical interventions.
• Serve meals and maintain cleanliness in patient areas.
• Ensure accountability within a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions in adult acute admissions, geriatric units, and extended rehabilitation service units.
• Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well‑being, and other