Certified Nursing Assistant
A Certified Nursing Assistant provides basic patient care under the direction of nursing staff. They perform duties such as feeding, bathing, and dressing patients, and taking vital signs.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Certified Nursing Assistant
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare professional responsible for providing basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and other medical staff. CNAs assist patients with their daily activities and ensure their comfort and safety at all times. This role requires a compassionate individual with strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to patient care.
Required Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassion and empathy for patients
- Basic clinical skills and knowledge of patient care techniques
- Ability to work effectively in a team and follow instructions
- Good physical stamina for frequent lifting, moving, and repositioning of patients
- Attention to detail for accurately recording patient information
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant training program.
- Active CNA certification in the relevant state.
- Basic understanding of medical terminology and healthcare operations.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test.
- CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide basic patient care including bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.
- Assist with mobility, including helping patients walk, transferring them between bed and wheelchair, and positioning them comfortably.
- Measure and record patients' vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare team members to ensure high-quality care.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and protocols.
- Assist registered nurses and other medical staff with procedures and examinations as needed.
- Handle and serve meals, monitor dietary restrictions, and report any changes in patients' eating habits.
- Report any changes in patients' condition or behavior to supervising healthcare professionals immediately.
- Ensure that all patient interactions are documented accurately in their medical records.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with 2-5 years of experience to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The ideal candidate will be attentive and committed to creating a supportive environment for patients, ensuring their comfort and assisting with daily living activities.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal and empathy skills.
- Proficiency in taking vitals and patient care techniques.
- Good physical stamina and manual dexterity.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to a positive work environment.
- Knowledge of infection control practices.
- Capability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
Qualifications
- Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is required.
- 2-5 years of experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications.
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems is preferable.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and assist with patient mobility.
- Excellent communication and observational skills.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Responsibilities
- Work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) to deliver high-quality care to patients.
- Assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom.
- Measure and record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
- Report any changes in patient conditions to nurses or other healthcare staff promptly.
- Help patients with mobility, including walking and transferring from bed to wheelchair.
- Ensure patients' rooms are tidy and sanitary.
- Support patients emotionally by providing companionship and empathy.
- Assist with the implementation of patient care plans as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and respect their rights.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Certified Nursing Assistant to join our dedicated healthcare team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in providing comprehensive patient care and support to individuals in a medical setting, ensuring patient comfort and wellbeing.
Required Skills
- Strong patient care and observation skills.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions.
- Proficient in medical software and equipment.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Excellent teamwork and leadership abilities.
- Empathy and the ability to cope with emotional situations.
- Great attention to detail.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Qualifications
- Valid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a healthcare setting.
- CPR and first-aid certification.
- Excellent knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures.
- In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination, etc.) and willingness to follow them at all times.
- A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Responsible and compassionate.
- Highly organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize work.
- Physical endurance to work long shifts.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality patient care under the supervision of nursing staff.
- Assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Measure and record patients' vital signs accurately.
- Ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of patient areas.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Monitor patient health and report any significant changes to the supervising nurse.
- Administer medications as directed by the healthcare team.
- Support the emotional and physical comfort of patients.
- Assist with medical procedures as required.
- Lead and mentor junior nursing assistants and support staff.
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Sample Interview Questions
What would you do if you disagreed with a fellow healthcare professional's approach to patient care?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision regarding patient care? If so, how did you handle it?
