Purpose of the Position
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct care to residents, assists with daily activities, maintains a clean and safe environment, and supports nursing staff in delivering quality resident care. The CNA ensures resident comfort, safety, and dignity while adhering to facility policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
Areas of Responsibility
A. Provide Personal Care to Residents
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Assist with daily hygiene, including bathing, oral care, skin care, hair, and nail care.
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Change bed linens on assigned shower days.
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Dress and undress residents, keeping them clean and dry.
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Assist with feeding and provide additional food or fluids as needed.
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Respond promptly to call lights.
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Provide morning and evening care as indicated on the CNA Kardex.
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Assist with resident positioning in bed or chair.
B. Maintain a Clean Work Environment
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Use only necessary care items to avoid waste.
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Remove unused items from resident rooms after care.
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Return resident personal items to proper location.
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Ensure furniture placement is safe and clutter-free.
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Handle equipment and supplies carefully to avoid damage.
C. Assist Residents with Preventive and Therapeutic Procedures
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Obtain resident weight upon admission and as required.
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Keep resident skin clean and dry.
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Apply skin care products (e.g., lotion, moisture barrier cream) to prevent breakdown.
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Perform range-of-motion exercises daily and as needed.
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Assist residents with ambulation and use of assistive devices.
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Support the nurse with bladder training programs.
D. Adhere to Safety and Infection Control Policies
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Maintain personal hygiene and adhere to uniform policy; gait belt and name tag required.
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Change ice water daily; pitchers changed on night shift.
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Clean resident bedside stands, closets, equipment, utility rooms, shower rooms, and wheelchairs routinely.
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Follow infection control procedures.
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Attend required in-services.
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Report defective equipment or potential hazards promptly.
E. Effective Communication
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Report changes in resident condition or incidents promptly.
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Document nutrition and fluid intake; notify nurse of changes.
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Complete documentation at end of shift (ADL record, bladder training).
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Clarify assignments with the staff nurse as needed.
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Review CNA Kardex prior to each shift.
F. Promote Positive Public Relations
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Display courteous, tactful, and helpful behavior with residents and visitors.
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Use proper telephone etiquette.
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Represent the facility positively.
G. Perform Other Tasks as Requested
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Assist other personnel after completing assignments.
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Participate in resident activities, including transportation.
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Complete tasks on CNA orientation checklist.
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Attend initial orientation and regularly scheduled in-services.
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Attend mandatory in-services as assigned.
Performance Standards
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Quality of Care: Provides safe, compassionate, and thorough resident care according to facility standards and care plans.
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Efficiency: Completes assigned tasks and documentation in a timely manner.
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Safety & Compliance: Follows infection control, safety, and facility policies consistently.
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Professionalism: Demonstrates dependability, punctuality, and professional appearance.
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Communication: Effectively reports resident changes and collaborates with staff.
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Resident Interaction: Maintains resident dignity, privacy, and comfort.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
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Satisfactory completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide training program.
Knowledge and Abilities
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Basic knowledge of personal care in a long-term care setting.
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Ability to maintain an orderly and safe environment.
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Effective communication skills with residents, visitors, supervisors, and co-workers.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality of resident information.
Physical Requirements
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Stand, walk, or sit for the length of the shift.
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Use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine manipulation.
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Frequently bend, squat, and lift; occasional lifts of 75–100 lbs and frequent lifts of 35–50 lbs.
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Perform two-person lifts or use mechanical lifts as required.