Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Position: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Purpose

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care to residents in a skilled nursing facility under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. CNAs assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitor basic health indicators, and help maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment. This role is essential in promoting residents' dignity, comfort, independence, and overall well-being.

Responsibilities

Resident Care
• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Support residents with mobility needs such as transferring, repositioning, turning, and ambulation.
• Measure and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respirations, as assigned.
• Observe residents for changes in physical or mental condition and promptly report concerns to licensed nursing staff.
• Provide basic skin care and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Supportive Tasks
• Maintain clean, safe, and orderly resident rooms and common areas.
• Respond promptly and courteously to call lights, alarms, and resident requests.
• Transport residents safely within the facility (e.g., to therapy, dining areas, or activities).
• Assist with restorative nursing and rehabilitation activities under the direction of nursing or therapy staff.

Documentation & Communication
• Accurately document care provided in the medical record according to facility policies and procedures.
• Communicate resident needs, concerns, behaviors, or complaints to nursing staff in a timely manner.
• Uphold residents' rights by respecting privacy, dignity, cultural preferences, and personal choices at all times.

Qualifications
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing, as required by state regulations.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic knowledge of resident care techniques and infection control practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred
• Previous experience in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care setting.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Experience working with elderly or medically complex residents.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and reposition residents, with or without assistive devices, typically up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to perform resident care tasks and operate medical equipment.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient to observe residents, read documentation, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation 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 or communicable illnesses.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection-control protocols.
• Work performed in a healthcare or long-term care environment.

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.