Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistant

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Certified Nursing Assistant provides personal hygiene for the patients of Arkansas Hospice and maintains a safe and orderly environment within the guidelines of the interdisciplinary team plan of care.

Education: High school diploma or GED; satisfactory completion of a nursing assistant (CNA) training and competency evaluation program that complies with Arkansas Department of Health guidelines also required. Experience: Previous experience in direct patient care in a hospital, long-term care facility, or hospice preferred. Licensure: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Additional Requirements: Must be eligible for a Letter of Determination and successfully complete a skills evaluation test. Valid Arkansas driver's license, car insurance, and car also required (Home Care).

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Under the direction and ongoing supervision of the Registered Nurse, performs the following procedures, respecting the dignity, comfort, and privacy of the patient:
   • Bed bath/sponge bath/tub/whirlpool, and shower;
   • Shampoo
   • Skin, hair, and nail care (excluding diabetic patients)
   • Oral hygiene/care of the mouth/denture care
   • Toileting and elimination; assistance to bathroom or in using bedpan or commode
   • Normal range of motion and positioning
   • Safe transfer and ambulation techniques
   • Feeding and fluids; sets up meal tray and encourages fluids
   • Assists nurse when treatments are being performed
2. Performs routine housekeeping tasks to provide a safe and comfortable environment as instructed by the Registered Nurse
3. Conducts rounds on assigned patients every two hours and as needed to assure basic physical care needs are met. Alerts the professional care team member when problems are identified that require professional intervention (Inpatient Center)
4. Maintains accurate documentation of assignments for each patient as directed by Registered Nurse.
5. Establishes a relationship with the patient and family which is respectful, caring and promotes trust and confidentiality while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
6. Communicates effectively with members of the interdisciplinary team, patient, and family.
7. Recognizes and immediately reports to Registered Nurse any changes in the patient's mental or physical condition, family situation, and/or emergencies.
8. Properly uses equipment required for ensuring patient's safety.
9. Maintains a clean, safe environment while caring for the patient.
10. Observes, reports, and documents patient status and services provided. Reads and records vital signs indicated on the Plan of Care. Notifies Registered Nurse if vital signs are found to be outside normal limits.
11. Follows standard precautions and basic infection control procedures according to OSHA regulations and Arkansas Hospice, Inc. policies and procedures.
12. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
13. Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
14. Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
15. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
16. Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
17. Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate. Successfully completes a total of at least twelve continuing education hours per year in order to maintain competency and skills required for certification.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care. 2. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines. 3. Skill in observation, communication, and documentation. 4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with co-workers and other customers. 5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, patients, families, and other caregivers. 6. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures. 7. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information. 8. Ability to work as a team player. 9. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication. 10. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures. 11. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it performs the above listed functions while regularly working with confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, including but not limited to patient medical records, current or former employee information, Arkansas Hospice records, and other information that the employee regularly uses to perform job functions.