Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care to residents in a nursing home setting, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) and supporting the nursing team to ensure residents receive safe, dignified, and compassionate care in accordance with facility policies, state regulations, and resident care plans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility
• Measure and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) as directed
• Observe and report changes in residents’ physical condition, behavior, or mental status to licensed nursing staff
• Assist with transfers, ambulation, and use of assistive devices using proper body mechanics
• Provide emotional support and promote residents’ comfort, dignity, and independence
• Answer call lights promptly and respond to resident needs in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate documentation of care provided in accordance with facility standards
• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly resident environment
• Follow infection control procedures, including proper hand hygiene and use of PPE
• Support resident rights, privacy, and confidentiality at all times
• Work collaboratively with nursing staff, therapy services, and other departments
• Participate in required training, in-services, and competency evaluations
• Other duties assigned EAST MISSISSIPPI STATE HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and reposition residents (with or without assistance)
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to Detail – Accurately prepares reports, logs, requisitions, and records, ensuring compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Organization & Time Management – Effectively prioritizes multiple tasks, maintains calendars, and manages deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills – Demonstrates clear, professional verbal and written communication when interacting with staff, leadership, patients, and external contacts.
• Confidentiality & Integrity – Handles sensitive employee, patient, and financial information with discretion and compliance with hospital policies.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative – Identifies administrative issues, recommends solutions, and takes appropriate action with minimal supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in licensed nursing home providing 24-hour resident care. The CNA works in resident care areas, including resident rooms, nursing units, dining areas, bathing areas, and common spaces.
• Requires frequent interaction with residents who may have physical limitations, cognitive impairments, behavioral challenges, and/or chronic medical conditions.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and varying levels of noise.
• Must follow strict infection control, safety, and emergency procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe resident handling techniques, and compliance with OSHA, CMS, and state regulatory requirements.
• Work schedules may include rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, etc.
• Staff must be able to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies, including resident falls, medical events, or facility-wide incidents.

Benefits:

• Personal Leave: 18 days/year
• Medical Leave: 12 days/year
• Holidays: 10 days/year
• State Health Insurance (Know Your Benefits)
• State Retirement Package (PERS)
• Semi-Monthly Pay with Direct Deposit