Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

General Purpose

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care to residents under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. This role assists residents with activities of daily living, supports mobility, observes and reports changes in condition, and helps maintain a safe, clean, respectful, and resident-centered environment in the skilled nursing facility.

Responsibilities

Resident Care

• Assist residents with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, hydration, and personal hygiene.
• Assist with transfers, repositioning, turning, ambulation, mobility, and use of assistive devices according to care plans and safety expectations.
• Measure and record vital signs, intake and output, weights, and other resident information as assigned.
• Provide basic skin care and assist with preventive measures to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Observation, Reporting & Communication

• Observe residents for changes in physical condition, mood, behavior, appetite, pain, safety, or functional ability and report concerns promptly to licensed nursing staff.
• Respond promptly and courteously to call lights, alarms, and resident requests.
• Communicate resident needs, concerns, behaviors, or complaints to nursing staff in a timely manner.

Documentation & Resident Rights

• Document care provided accurately and timely according to facility policy and applicable requirements.
• Uphold resident rights by respecting privacy, dignity, cultural preferences, personal choices, and confidentiality.
• Maintain clean, safe, and orderly resident rooms, care areas, and equipment.

Teamwork & Safety

• Follow infection control procedures, standard precautions, and facility safety protocols.
• Work cooperatively with nursing, therapy, dietary, housekeeping, activities, and other team members.
• Participate in required training, meetings, and in-service programs.

Qualifications

• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing as required by state regulations.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification recommended.
• Previous experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or healthcare preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff.
• Basic knowledge of resident care techniques, infection control, body mechanics, and safety practices.
• Compassionate, resident-centered approach to care with respect for resident dignity, rights, and independence.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist with moving residents and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess resident conditions, read medical documentation, and communicate effectively.
• Manual dexterity required to perform resident care tasks, documentation activities, and operate clinical equipment as applicable.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Direct or indirect exposure to residents with medical conditions, infectious diseases, or communicable illnesses.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection control protocols is required.
• Work is performed in a healthcare, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care environment.
• Requires professionalism, confidentiality, teamwork, and collaboration with residents, families, staff, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.