Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Job Summary

Job Title : Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)


Location: Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Charleston): 109 Bee St, Charleston, SC 29401


Period of Performance: 3/1/2026 - 2/28/2031 Shift Schedule: 1930-0800: 12 (twelve) hour night shift with alternating weekend shifts


Position Description : Aptive Resources is seeking skilled Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to support the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Charleston). The CNAs will perform a variety of patient care and diagnostic support duties under the minimal supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). They will provide effective interventions tailored to individual patient needs in accordance with established facility policies and safety standards.


Primary Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:


• Perform CNA duties with minimal monitoring by a Registered Nurse (RN) while providing basic, appropriate, and effective interventions according to established facility policies, safety standards, and procedures within Med/Surg and Inpatient Psych units.


• Refer to the professional RN when deviations and problems not covered in the assignment occur. Patient Care Duties


• Perform a range of personal nursing care including feeding, walking, lifting, turning patients, and providing related hygiene care.


• Care for patients using specialized equipment and those receiving oxygen or suction therapy.


• Promote physical independence by supervising patients in self-care activities including eating, dressing, and application of prosthetic devices and braces.


• Instruct patients on pre- and post-operative care based on general information provided by a doctor or nurse.

• Provide 1:1 care as a Patient Safety Partner as needed on and off the unit.


• Conduct inventories upon admission and as needed, including contraband searches and ongoing evaluations of the environment of care.


• Recognize potentially hazardous conditions on the unit and observe, manage, engage, and document disturbed behaviors while reporting to the RN.


• May be required to work with COVID-19 positive patients and Patients Under Investigation (PUI). Diagnostic & Clinical Support Duties


• Perform diagnostic support duties including taking, recording, and reporting deviations in vital signs and changes in patient condition (e.g., diabetic coma, uremic coma, insulin shock, gastrointestinal hemorrhage).


• Assist doctors with diagnostic examinations and emergency procedures including lumbar punctures, liver biopsies, bone marrow examinations, and emergency interventions.


• Assemble necessary equipment and position patients for procedures.


• Collect, label, and transport specimens to the laboratory. • Check patients frequently during and following procedures for changes in condition.


• Escort patients to and from diagnostic studies and appointments.


• Perform EKGs as requested. Treatment & Monitoring


• Perform treatment procedures including changing simple dressings. • Care for patients with infection, communicable diseases, and those in infection isolation.


• Care for patients receiving oxygen via cannula, mask, or venti mask; patients receiving chest therapy and postural drainage.

• Care for patients with condom catheters and indwelling Foley catheters.

• Administer basic life support measures. • Obtain and record temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, pulse oximetry, height, weight, intake and output (I&O's), and blood sugar per provider orders; report abnormalities immediately to the RN. Documentation & Communication • Verbally provide information to the nurse for inclusion in Nursing Care Plans.


• Document vital signs and enter information regarding patient condition into the patient chart. • Assist with completion of patient admission history. Equipment & Safety


• Clean and care for equipment used in oxygen and suction therapy and frame beds; report equipment in need of repair.


• Accompany and/or transport patients to appointments and procedures as necessary. Additional Duties:


• Work with COVID-19 positive patients and Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19.


• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:


• All Certified Nurse Assistant must have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by the American Heart Association. Personnel must be able to demonstrate competence in providing CPR and have current basic life support (BLS) certification.


• Certification: Current CNA certification from any state in the United States.

• Minimum of two-year direct patient care experience within the last three years in the field.


• At least a minimum of 1-year current experience (must have worked within the last six months) in a medical/surgical unit, long Term Care/Nursing Home setting, or an inpatient psychiatric unit.


• The contract personnel shall have the knowledge and ability to use computers and other technology.


• Strong teamwork and communication skills.


• Ability to anticipate the needs of professional staff and work collaboratively.


• Competency in basic nursing care and diagnostic support duties.


• Proficient in documentation and patient care planning.


• Ability to provide physical and emotional support to patients.


• Capability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle stressful situations.


• Ability to complete and successfully pass any required government background check

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: This role requires the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout patient care areas for extended periods, often during long shifts. The employee must be able to lift, transfer, or reposition patients and equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance, and frequently bend, kneel, reach, and push or pull wheeled equipment. The role also requires manual dexterity for tasks such as administering medication, operating medical equipment, and documenting patient care, as well as the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

About Aptive

Arrow ARC supports Veterans Health Administration facilities and offices across the U.S. with health care staffing and program support via the 10-year Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP). We provide staffing solutions to address critical shortages in VHA medical facilities caused by turnover, recruitment issues, seasonal needs, surges or emergencies.

Arrow is a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business joint venture between Artemis ARC and Aptive Resources, two award-winning companies that share an agile, mission-focused, results driven approach in the federal sector. Arrow provides management consulting services and specializes in working with federal government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Office of Personnel Management.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.