CNA - PRN Night Shifts

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Department: Nursing/MHT
Reports To: ACNO

Location: Psychiatric Hospital Setting

Position Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a psychiatric hospital provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role supports both the medical and behavioral health needs of patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The CNA ensures patient safety, monitors physical health status, assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), and promptly 

Key Responsibilities

Patient Monitoring & Vital Signs

• Obtain and accurately measure vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature, oxygen saturation) per physician or nursing orders.
  Document vital signs promptly and accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Identify abnormal vital signs and immediately notify the assigned nurse.

• Recheck abnormal vital signs as directed and document findings.

• Monitor patients for signs of physical or psychiatric deterioration and report changes promptly.

Blood Glucose Monitoring (Accu-Chek)

• Perform point-of-care blood glucose testing (Accu-Chek) as ordered.

• Accurately document blood glucose results in the EMR.

• Immediately inform nursing staff of abnormal readings per facility protocol.

• Recheck abnormal blood glucose levels as directed and document accordingly.

1:1 Observation & Safety Monitoring

• Provide continuous 1:1 observation for patients requiring close supervision due to medical instability, suicide risk, behavioral concerns, or cognitive impairment.

• Maintain patient safety at all times, ensuring a therapeutic and secure environment.

• Observe and document patient behaviors per facility policy.

• Report any safety concerns, self-harm behaviors, or escalating psychiatric symptoms immediately to nursing staff.

Patient Rounding & General Care

• Conduct routine patient rounding per unit protocol.

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, grooming, toileting, ambulation, feeding, and positioning.

• Ensure patient rooms are clean, organized, and free from safety hazards.

• Assist with admissions, transfers, and discharges as directed.

• Provide emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries in a behavioral health setting.

• Promote patient dignity, privacy, and respect at all times.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the EMR.

• Communicate effectively with nurses and interdisciplinary team members regarding patient status.

• Participate in shift reports and safety huddles as assigned.

• Follow all hospital policies, procedures, and infection control guidelines.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing.

• Current CPR/BLS certification required.

• Experience in behavioral health or psychiatric settings preferred.

• Knowledge of suicide precautions, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care preferred.

• Ability to recognize medical and psychiatric emergencies and respond appropriately.

• Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to assist with patient transfers and mobility.

• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Work Environment

• Inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.

• Exposure to patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms and potential behavioral crises.

• Requires adherence to safety protocols and therapeutic communication practices.