Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

PRIMARY FUNCTION Under the direct supervision of the Department Director, House Supervisor, or Charge Nurse, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides high-quality, compassionate personal care to patients. The CNA assists the nursing staff by performing essential clinical support duties, maintaining a safe and clean patient environment, and ensuring the comfort, dignity, and safety of all patients in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene, while consistently preserving patient dignity. Measures, records, and reports vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and patient weight accurately and promptly to the supervising nurse. Assists with patient mobility, including turning, positioning, transferring, and ambulating patients safely using proper body mechanics and assistive lift devices.

Maintains a clean, safe, and organized patient environment by changing linens, clearing clutter, and ensuring call lights and personal items are within the patient’s reach. Distributes meals and snacks, assists patients with feeding as needed, and accurately measures and documents dietary intake and fluid intake/output (I&O). Observes and promptly reports any changes in a patient’s physical, mental, or emotional condition to the Charge Nurse or supervising RN.

Accrues and enters precise data into the electronic health record (EHR) where applicable. Adheres strictly to infection control practices, hand hygiene protocols, patient safety initiatives, and facility confidentiality/HIPAA guidelines at all times. Performs additional departmental tasks, handles equipment setups, and assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges as directed.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE Demonstrates proficiency in basic nursing assistant procedures, standard patient care workflows, and emergency response awareness. Possesses strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare colleagues. Possesses a foundational knowledge of common medical terminology and abbreviations required to understand care directives.

Ability to recognize subtle changes in patient status and exhibit the sound judgment necessary to escalate concerns to licensed nursing staff immediately. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task efficiently, and remain calm and organized in a fast-paced clinical setting. “Current” unrestricted Louisiana Nurse Assistant Certification (CNA) is required.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required upon hire. Must successfully complete the facility skills checklist within ninety (90) days of employment and on an annual basis in conjunction with the Employee Performance Evaluation. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support departmental objectives