Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT:

Assisted Living

POSITION TITLE:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Direct Care Staff

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Health Care Director, Associate Administrator

EXEMPTION STATUS:

Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, provides direct resident care and assists residents with activities of daily living (ADLs). Provides timely, compassionate, and quality assistance in accordance with resident service plans, facility policies, and applicable regulations. Promotes resident dignity, independence, privacy, choice, and quality of life while ensuring resident safety and well-being.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Direct Care

• Assists residents with activities of daily living as outlined in the resident service plan.
• Provides medication assistance and/or medication administration in accordance with Montana Assisted Living regulations, facility policies, physician orders, and only after successful completion of required medication administration training and competency validation.
• Assists residents with showers, bathing, and personal hygiene according to the resident service plan.
• Assists residents with daily dental and oral care (including brushing teeth, denture care, oral hygiene, and special mouth care) as needed.
• Assists residents with dressing and undressing as necessary.
• Assists residents with hair care functions, including combing, brushing, and shampooing.
• Assists residents with routine nail hygiene as permitted by facility policy. Staff shall not perform specialized foot care or trim toenails for residents whose conditions require professional evaluation unless specifically authorized by facility policy and training requirements.
• Provides incontinence care and continence support.
• Positions residents for comfort, safety, and pressure relief.
• Assists residents with bowel and bladder functions, including toileting, use of commodes, and incontinence product changes.
• Assists residents with lifting, turning, moving, positioning, and transporting residents into and out of beds, chairs, bathtubs, wheelchairs, and other equipment utilizing proper transfer techniques.
• Assists residents with ambulation and mobility using appropriate assistive devices as directed.
• Answers resident call systems promptly and courteously.
• Promotes resident independence while providing needed assistance.
• Assists with the care of residents receiving end-of-life services while maintaining dignity, comfort, respect, and compassion.
• Provides post-mortem care according to facility policy and under the direction of the nurse or supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Meal Preparation and Service

• Assists with meal preparation, setup, service, and cleanup as assigned.
• Assists residents with eating and hydration needs as identified in the resident service plan.
• Observes and reports concerns regarding appetite, nutritional intake, hydration status, or swallowing difficulties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Housekeeping and Laundry

• Maintains resident living areas in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• Changes soiled linens and bedding as needed.
• Makes beds as needed.
• Assists with resident laundry according to facility policy.
• Properly disposes of soiled or contaminated materials in accordance with facility infection control and bloodborne pathogen policies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Documentation and Communication

• Documents resident care, services provided, observations, and incidents accurately and timely in accordance with facility policy.
• Obtains and records vital signs as assigned, including blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, oxygen saturation, and weight.
• Observes residents for changes in physical condition, emotional status, cognition, behavior, mobility, appetite, skin integrity, and overall well-being.
• Immediately reports significant observations or changes in resident condition to the appropriate supervisor.
• Weighs and measures residents as directed.
• Participates in shift reports and team communication regarding resident care needs.
• Assists in implementing resident service plans and communicates resident needs and changes to the interdisciplinary care team.
• Maintains confidentiality of resident information in accordance with facility policy, HIPAA requirements, and resident rights.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inappropriate treatment of a resident immediately to the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Safety and Infection Control

• Follows all facility safety policies and procedures.
• Identifies, reports, and/or corrects safety hazards when appropriate.
• Attends required safety training and in-services.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics during resident care and transfers.
• Follows established infection prevention and control procedures.
• Adheres to policies regarding exposure to bloodborne pathogens and body fluids.
• Uses personal protective equipment (PPE), gait belts, lifts, and other safety equipment appropriately.
• Responds appropriately to resident emergencies, fire procedures, disaster situations, elopements, and other safety events according to facility policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Resident Rights and Customer Service

• Provides services in accordance with the resident service plan and resident preferences whenever possible.

• Promotes resident dignity, independence, privacy, choice, and resident rights in all interactions.

• Treats residents, families, visitors, and coworkers with respect and professionalism.

• Follows Sapphire Lutheran Homes' Customer Service Standards:

  • Let the Mission be your guide.
  • Make eye contact and smile.
  • Greet and welcome each person.
  • Seek personal contact and meaningful interaction.
  • Provide immediate service by listening and acting.
  • Use appropriate and professional body language at all times.
  • Be gracious and respectful to every person.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Employee Responsibilities

• Complies with facility policies regarding required health screenings and immunizations.
• Attends all mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and educational programs.
• Maintains required certifications and competencies in accordance with Montana regulations and facility requirements.
• Completes annual training requirements.
• Successfully passes the Assisted Living Medication Competency Checklist within seven (7) days of hire when medication assistance or administration is required for the position.
• Performs duties as assigned by the Health Care Director, Nurse, Administrator, or designated supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTSMinimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in a healthcare, assisted living, long-term care, or human services setting preferred.
• Must possess a current Montana Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or be eligible for employment as a Personal Care Assistant/Direct Care Staff member in accordance with Montana regulations and facility policy.
• Must successfully complete all required facility training and competency evaluations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Skill in observing and recognizing changes in resident condition.
• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and assist residents utilizing approved equipment and techniques.
• Ability to understand and follow safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize healthcare equipment and supplies including blood pressure devices, thermometers, wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, and other resident care equipment.
• Ability to understand resident records and service plans.
• Ability to work effectively with elderly, disabled, confused, emotionally upset, and occasionally combative residents.
• Ability to respond to resident needs promptly while recognizing and respecting resident rights.
• Ability to handle stressful situations, including illness, emergencies, and end-of-life care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires moderate physical activity more than 70% of the time, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, lifting, and transferring residents.
• Requires lifting up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with heavier transfers requiring the use of mechanical assistance and/or team lifting in accordance with facility policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work involves exposure to healthcare and residential environments.
• May involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and other healthcare-related hazards.
• May involve exposure to unpleasant odors, varying temperatures, and moderate noise levels.
• Requires adherence to established infection control and safety procedures.
• Work may involve exposure to plants, service animals, and pets residing within the community.

The examples of essential job functions identify the major duties and requirements for this position and do not include all duties, responsibilities, and requirements that may be assigned.

Days - 6 AM to 2 PM
Evenings- 2PM to 10PM
Nights- 10 PM to 6 AM