CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a critical role in providing superior customer service and nursing care to all guests. The CNA safeguards the health, safety and welfare of all guests under their care by following applicable laws, regulations, care plans and established nursing policies and procedures.

The principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Provides quality nursing care to guests in an environment that promotes their rights, dignity, freedom of choice and individuality.
• Provides individualized attention, which encourages each guest's ability to maintain or attain the highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.
• Is knowledgeable of the individualized care plan for guests and provides support to the guests according to their care plan. Contributes to the care planning process by providing the nurse or other care planning staff with specific information and observations of the guests' needs and preferences.
• Carry out assignments required for the Guest's activities of daily living (ADL's) which include but not limited to bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Attends to individual needs of all Guests related to incontinent care, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communication, and other needs.
• Provides care that maintains each Guest's skin integrity to prevent pressure ulcers, skin tears and other damage by changing incontinent Guests, turning, repositioning immobile Guests and by applying moisturizers to fragile skin and other areas.
• Performs various tasks assigned by the floor nurse including checking vital signs, weighing Guests, applying creams/ointments, and collecting specimens.
• Assists the Wound Care Nurse as directed.
• Completes documentation of care provided or other information in PCC in accordance with department policies while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with prescribed safety and infection control procedures, including use of disposable gloves where indicated and proper disposal of soiled materials. Follow established safety precautions when performing tasks and using equipment and supplies.
• Assists with the training of new staff members.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, neat and clean environment. Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to the supervisor.
• Must answer and respond to all call lights promptly and courteously.
• Assist with new admissions, re-admissions and assist with the transfer of Guests to different rooms within the facility.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Guests, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Fully understands all aspects of guests' rights, including the right to be free of restraints and free of abuse. Responsible for promptly reporting to the charge nurse or administrator incidents or evidence of guest abuse or violation of guests' rights.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Guests and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment. Promotes and protects Guest Rights; assists Guests to make informed decisions; treats Guests with dignity and respect; reports suspected abuse or neglect; supports independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable law and regulation.
• Protects the personal belongings of each guest, including eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, furnishings, jewelry, clothing and memorabilia. Promptly reports missing items according to established policy and participates in efforts to locate missing items.
• Lifts, moves, and transports guests, using proper body mechanics or lifting devices for accident prevention. Also use wheelchairs, slide boards, walkers, and canes as required.
• Assists and escorts guests for appointments such as at the beauty shop or attending activities or church services. Participates in activities and functions as directed.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines at all times and protects confidential information by only providing information on a "need-to-know" basis.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Answer incoming calls when necessary and direct calls appropriately.
• Regular and reliable attendance. Must be able to work nights and weekends to accommodate the needs of the Guests.
• Perform other tasks as required.
• Ability to work with people with physical and mental disabilities including those using profanity, derogatory language and the like.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required/Desired Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a current Michigan Certified Nurse Aide Certification or have completed a Michigan approved CNA training program and are eligible to test. Must be certified within 4 months of hire.
• One year of experience in long-term care, hospice, or healthcare desired (not required).

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Must be able to read, write, and perform basic mathematics.
• The ability to verbally communicate with residents, staff, and visitors.
• Shows dependability by being punctual and maintaining good attendance.
• The ability to maintain a safe environment for Residents and co-workers.
• The ability to transport Residents and equipment as needed.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

Other Special Requirements:

• Ability to work nights and weekends to accommodate the needs of the guests.
• Tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.