Resident Assistant or CNA

Job Description

Job Description

CNA/RA Job Description

Position Title: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Resident Assistant (RA)

Department: Resident Care

Reports To: LPN on Duty / Wellness Director

Position Summary

The CNA/RA provides direct care and daily support to residents to ensure their safety, dignity, and quality of life. This role assists residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), observes and reports changes in condition, and helps maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment. CNA/RAs play a critical role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being while working closely with the nursing team to follow each resident’s individualized service plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Care

· Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, continence care, and oral hygiene.

· Assist residents with mobility, ambulation, and transfers using proper safety techniques.

· Assist residents with nutritional needs, including meal setup and assistance. Ensure residents’ hand are washed as need before and/or after meals.

· Encourage independence while providing appropriate assistance based on each resident’s service plan.

· Ensure residents are dressed appropriately, comfortable, and safe throughout the day.

· Respond promptly to call lights and call pendants.

Monitoring and Reporting

· Observe residents for changes in physical, cognitive, or emotional condition.

· Report changes in condition, falls, incidents, or concerns to the LPN on duty or DON immediately.

· Communicate concerns related to residents, families, or the environment to nursing staff.

· Assist nursing staff in maintaining accurate and timely communication regarding resident care.

Documentation

· Complete required daily charting and task documentation in accordance with facility policy and state regulations.

· Document observations related to resident care including ADLs completed, meal intake, and behavioral or condition changes.

· Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, and reflects care provided.

Resident Environment and Housekeeping

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for residents.

· Assist with light housekeeping tasks including laundry, bed changes, organizing resident rooms, and cleaning common areas when needed.

· Ensure resident supplies are stocked and communicate supply needs to nursing or management.

Resident Interaction and Engagement

· Spend meaningful time with residents to promote comfort, engagement, and social interaction.

· Assist with or encourage participation in activities and social programs.

· Provide emotional support and reassurance to residents, particularly those requiring frequent reorientation.

Dining Assistance

· Assist with serving meals and snacks.

· Help residents get to and from the dining room when needed.

· Provide feeding assistance according to resident care plans.

· Assist with clean-up after meals as needed.

Communication and Teamwork

· Work collaboratively with nursing staff, caregivers, dietary staff, and management.

· Communicate respectfully with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.

· Follow direction from the LPN on duty and DON regarding resident care and assignments.

Compliance and Training

· Understand and follow resident rights at all times.

· Follow all South Prairie policies, procedures, and state regulations.

· Complete all required training, in-services, and staff meetings.

· Follow proper procedures for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or safety concerns.

Core Competencies

· Do the Right Thing – Act ethically and prioritize the safety and well-being of residents.

· Effective Communication – Communicate clearly and compassionately with residents, families, and coworkers.

· Caring Relationships – Treat all residents with dignity, patience, and respect.

· Safety Awareness – Recognize and report conditions that could affect resident or employee safety.

· Team Collaboration – Work cooperatively with coworkers to ensure residents receive consistent, high-quality care.

· Adaptability – Remain flexible and effective in a fast-paced caregiving environment.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

· Ability to bend, stoop, and reach.

· Ability to assist residents with transfers and mobility.

· Ability to lift or support up to 50 pounds.