CNA - Inpatient

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) functions as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team, providing direct patient care, supervision, de-escalation support, and role modeling to patients in the inpatient behavioral health setting. The CNA ensures a safe, therapeutic environment through continuous observation, patient rounding, and engagement, while supporting nursing staff with medical tasks within the CNA scope of practice. The CNA promotes recovery, safety, and the mission of the organization under the direction of nursing leadership.Job Duties & Responsibilities:Interacts directly with patients, providing compassionate support and assisting in the management of behavioral crises through therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques.Ensures the safety and accurate location of all patients at all times, including strict adherence to rounding standards, documentation, and milieu management expectations.Monitors patient, visitor, and environmental safety, including infection control, daily environmental safety checks, and adherence to unit security standards (locks, alarms, contraband checks).Observes, monitors, and documents patient behaviors, interactions, participation in programming, meals, and activities of daily living (ADLs).Performs and documents patient vital signs, height, weight, intake, and output as assigned.Assists with basic nursing care needs such as hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and comfort measures, consistent with CNA scope and unit protocols.Immediately reports changes in patient condition, behavior, or safety concerns to the RN or treatment team.Ensures safe and therapeutic patient transport to and from scheduled activities, including therapy groups, cafeteria, and outdoor time.Orients new patients to the unit, completes belongings searches and documentation, and reinforces unit rules and expectations.Participates in treatment planning and shift hand-off discussions, contributing behavioral observations and progress updates.Assists in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and participates in audits, environmental checks, and readiness reviews as directed.Supports leadership with staff assignments, huddles, debriefs, and contributes to unit improvement initiatives.Promotes teamwork by treating all individuals with respect and professionalism, utilizing active listening and clear communication.Participates in training, continuing education, and competency evaluations, maintaining current knowledge of behavioral health procedures and safety standards.Demonstrates professionalism in appearance, communication, and conduct, serving as a positive role model for patients and colleagues.Performs other duties as assigned.Education/Training Requirements:High school diploma or equivalent required.Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of Wisconsin required.Previous experience in behavioral health or psychiatric care preferred.Formal training will be provided for the following:American Red Cross or American Heart Association BLS certification within 30 days of hire.Training in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) within 60 days of hire.Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) trainings within 90 days of hire.Knowledge of trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and patient rights preferred.Experience with electronic medical records (Cerner or similar) preferred.