Certified Nursing Assistant (DOH/NMVH #15498+)

Why does the job exist?

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position exists to provide vital, direct patient care that supports the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents or patients. CNAs play a crucial role in assisting individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and mobility. They help maintain residents' comfort, dignity, and safety while promoting independence whenever possible. They serve as the front-line caregivers who monitor residents' conditions, communicate changes to nursing staff, and contribute to a compassionate, person-centered care environment. This role helps licensed nurses manage their workload more effectively, ensuring timely and quality care that meets regulatory standards and enhances overall resident outcomes.

How does it get done?

• Assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) accurately.
• Monitor residents' physical and mental condition; observe and promptly report any changes to nursing staff.
• Absorb and feed residents, monitoring nutritional intake and addressing swallowing difficulties.
• Perform basic housekeeping duties, such as cleaning resident rooms and changing bed linens.
• Participate actively in care planning and communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
• Educate and support new staff and Associate CNAs by demonstrating proper care techniques and facility policies.
• Uphold residents' rights and confidentiality in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect, or safety concerns following facility and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with the use of medical equipment as allowed within scope of practice.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents at all times.
• Practice universal precautions and infection control procedures consistently.

Who are the customers?

The primary customer are the brave men and women that answered our nation's call, executed their duties, and now are unable to live in their respective communities due to failing health. This job will also support the widows of the service men and women to include parents that have lost children in combat (Gold Star Parents).

Minimum Qualification

• Certification as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Home Health Aide (HHA), or Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) and one (1) year of experience providing basic dietary, housekeeping, and/or laundry services in a traditional long term care facility and/or as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above certification requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.

Employment Requirements

• This position is designated safety sensitive.
• Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association BLS / CPR Certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Safe Food Handling Certificate or receive within 1 week of date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
• Must sign and observe confidentiality agreement.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed within a long-term facility.
• Walking throughout the facility and frequent communication and interaction with residents, staff, and the public.
• Periods of walking, standing, bending pushing, pulling, lifting, and stretching for a variety of activities may be required.
• Must be able to function under pressure and stressful situations.
• Health hazards such as exposure to contagious viruses and diseases.
• Routine exposure to public, fellow employees, and facility resident illness, stressful situation, and bodily fluids, as well as exposure to physical and/or verbal abuse.
• Occasional travel for training & meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required; some lifting; extended hours to meet deadlines will be required.
• Working hours may include on-call, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours.