Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides direct resident care and assistance with activities of daily living in a safe, compassionate, and resident-centered environment. Certified medication assistant administers medication in accordance with Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations under the delegation of the RN/Nurse Manager and the day-to-day clinical direction of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The CNA promptly reports changes in resident conditions and assists in maintaining a safe, organized home for residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Care:

• Assist residents as necessary with activities of daily living, taking care to treat each resident with respect and understanding.
• Help residents with showers, when necessary or requested, and notify the Nurse or Administrator if a resident refuses to shower.
• Ensure all residents are present during scheduled mealtimes.

Medication Support:

• Administer medications under regulations set by Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and under the delegation of the Registered Nurse Manager and the day-to-day direction of the Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Follow physician orders and care instructions as directed by the RN/Nurse Manager and LPN.
• Obtain and document vital signs as assigned and report abnormal findings immediately to the LPN or RN/Nurse Manager monthly and as needed.

Documentation:

• Document resident care provided and accurately record observations in the daily logbook or designated clinical record.
• Immediately report changes in a resident condition, unusual observations, medication concerns, falls, or behavioral changes to the LPN or RN/Nurse Manager.
• Notify the LPN, RN/Nurse Manager, or designated on-call clinical staff immediately of significant changes in resident conditions. Document observations according to policy.
• Communicate all pertinent information to the oncoming shift.

Facility Maintenance:

• Maintain tidiness of beds daily, changing bed linens weekly or as needed when soiled.
• Ensure the orderliness of the facility during non-administrative hours.
• Perform laundry duties, including washing, drying, folding, and returning residents' clothes to their rooms.

New Admissions Support:

• Assist with resident orientation and room setup as directed by LPN or RN/Nurse Manager.
• Help new residents navigate the facility (e.g., dining room, activity room).

Safety and Emergency Protocols/Other:

• Report incidents, accidents, safety concerns, or resident injuries immediately to the LPN or RN/Nurse Manager.
• Be knowledgeable and stay informed of all emergency evacuation procedures and fire regulations.
• May be required to perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Foundational knowledge of geriatrics, and/or psychiatric disorders
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with residents, employees, families, and the public, with tact, empathy, and patience
• Verbal de-escalation and emotional resilience skills
• Ability to stay steady and clear-headed during sudden medical or behavioral emergencies remain calm under pressure
• Ability to clearly communicate and provide important updates to management and peers
• Ability to assist with dressing, bathing, and eating

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent is mandatory
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is strongly preferred
• Obtain State of Connecticut Medication Certification within 60 days of hire and thereafter maintain active certification is mandatory
• Basic computer skills is strongly preferred
• Minimum of one year of related experience working with elderly, mentally or physically challenged individuals is required.
• Speak and read English clearly for effective communication with residents, staff, family members, and others is mandatory

Physical Requirements:

(Provided under separate cover.)

This position description lists the most significant duties of this role. However, this description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. Although it is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

3 pm to 11 pm Shift