Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Description: Park Forest Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 

Position Overview:

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a long-term care nursing home, your role is to provide essential direct care and assistance to residents under the supervision of nursing staff. You will play a vital role in maintaining residents' health, comfort, and well-being by assisting with activities of daily living, observing and reporting changes in residents' conditions, and providing emotional support. Your responsibilities will involve providing hands-on care, promoting resident independence, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Personal Care and Assistance:

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating, while promoting their dignity and independence.

• Help residents with mobility and transfers, using appropriate techniques and assistive devices to ensure safety.

• Provide assistance with positioning, turning, and repositioning residents to prevent pressure ulcers and maintain comfort.

1. Vital Signs Monitoring and Observation:

• Take and record residents' vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, as directed by nursing staff. Reporting all vital signs to nursing staff.

• Observe and document any changes in residents' physical, mental, or emotional well-being, promptly reporting concerns to the nursing team.

• Monitor intake and output of residents, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting any abnormalities.

1. Assisting with Medical Procedures:

• Assist nursing staff with medical procedures within the scope of CNA practice, such as collecting specimens, performing basic wound care, and assisting with simple dressing changes.

• Support residents with the use of medical equipment, including mobility aids, oxygen devices, and other assistive devices.

1. Emotional Support and Communication:

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with residents, providing emotional support and reassurance.

• Communicate effectively and compassionately with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team, ensuring clear and respectful communication.

• Listen attentively to residents' needs and concerns, addressing them promptly or escalating them to the appropriate healthcare professionals.

1. Safety and Environment:

• Maintain a safe and clean environment for residents, adhering to infection control protocols and safety guidelines.

• Assist with fall prevention measures, including the use of appropriate equipment and monitoring of residents' mobility.

• Report any safety hazards or equipment malfunction to the appropriate personnel.

1. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care provided, observations, and resident interactions according to facility policies and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including nurses and other healthcare professionals, by sharing relevant information and updates on residents' conditions.

• Participate in care conferences and contribute to the development and implementation of resident care plans.

Light cleaning duties typically involve maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in resident care areas and common spaces. While the primary focus of a CNA's role is providing direct care to residents, light cleaning duties may be assigned to ensure a safe and hygienic environment. Some common light cleaning responsibilities for CNAs include:

1. Making Beds: CNAs may be responsible for making beds and ensuring that they are clean, comfortable, and properly arranged. This includes changing linens, tidying pillows, and ensuring bedrails are secure.

2. Room Cleaning: CNAs may perform light cleaning tasks in resident rooms, such as dusting surfaces, wiping down furniture, and cleaning personal items. They may also empty trash bins and ensure proper disposal of waste.

3. Tidying Common Areas: CNAs may assist in keeping common areas, such as lounges, dining areas, and hallways, clean and organized. This may involve clearing tables, wiping down surfaces, and picking up clutter.

4. Cleaning Equipment: CNAs may be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing medical equipment and supplies used during resident care including adaptive devices, following facility protocols and infection control guidelines.

5. Laundry Assistance: CNAs may help with resident laundry by collecting dirty linens and personal clothing, ensuring proper sorting and labeling, and assisting with the organization and distribution of clean laundry.

6. Bathroom Maintenance: CNAs may assist with cleaning and maintaining resident bathrooms, including wiping down surfaces, restocking supplies, and ensuring proper sanitation.

7. Restocking Supplies: CNAs may be responsible for checking and restocking essential supplies, such as toiletries, towels, and gloves, in resident rooms and common areas.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

• Current certification as a CNA in the state where employed.

• Knowledge of basic nursing care techniques and practices.

• Familiarity with infection control and safety protocols.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with residents, families, and healthcare professionals.

• Empathy, compassion, and a genuine interest in providing quality care to elderly residents.

• Physical stamina and the ability to lift, move, and assist residents with mobility.

• Ability to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and adapt to changing situations.

• Basic Life Support Certification Required.

• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.