Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this vital role, you will provide essential direct patient care, support clinical staff, and promote a safe, comfortable environment for individuals across various care settings. Your enthusiasm and attention to detail will help enhance the quality of life for our patients and residents while ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
1. Critical Safety Requirements (Chemotherapy Precautions)
The client is undergoing cancer treatment and is on chemotherapy medication. His chemotherapy follows a cycle of one week on, one week off, and the medication remains in his system for 48 hours after his last dose. The precautions in this section apply only while he is actively on chemotherapy and during the 48 hours following his last dose. Outside of that window they are not required, though good general hygiene should always be maintained.
Because traces of chemotherapy medication can be present in his body fluids during the active period, the following precautions are mandatory at all times during that window to protect the caregiver from contamination:
Mandatory during active chemotherapy periods:
- Wear gloves and a mask for all personal care tasks.
- Wear gloves when handling dirty laundry, dirty dishes, dirty surfaces, or any soileditems.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after removing gloves.
- Wipe down countertops and surfaces with disinfectant wipes often.
- Always flush the toilet with the lid closed to prevent splash contamination.A caregiver who is unable or unwilling to follow these precautions consistently during active chemotherapy periods is not a fit for this role.
2. Role Summary
- Communication: The client has limited English. The caregiver may attempt conversation; otherwise the client enjoys watching TV and movies.
- Fall risk: The client is a fall risk. A gait belt must be worn at all times during transfers and walking
3. Cognitive Considerations: The client may experience cognitive difficulties associated with his condition and treatment, including reduced inhibition, confusion, and disorientation. His decision-making judgment may be impaired, and he may not recognize risks to his own safety.
Caregiver Responsibilities & Requirements —
- The caregiver must stay alert and rely on their own judgment and intuition, rather than deferring to the client, when the client's choices could put his safety at risk.
- Proactively prevent unsafe situations the client may not understand or perceive as dangerous (e.g., attempting to stand or walk unassisted, refusing safety equipment, unsafe handling of food or fluids).
- Approach episodes of confusion or disinhibition with patience, calm redirection, and respect for the client's dignity.
- The caregiver must report notable changes in cognition, behavior, or orientation, as well as any incidents, to the family.
4. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)Eating & Hydration
- Can eat independently but needs help with meal preparation and set-up.
- Food may need to be cut into smaller pieces.
- Always place a bib or napkin on his shirt — he tends to spill onto his clothes.
- All fluids must be thickened: 1 thickening packet per 4 oz of fluid (packets in the kitchen).
- Prepare snacks throughout the day, such as washed fruit, tea, sweets, and protein shakes.
- Do not store leftover/unfinished food in the fridge — throw it away if he doesn't finish. This applies only while he is actively on chemotherapy and during the 48 hours after his last dose; outside that window leftovers may be stored normally.
Bathing
- The caregiver is responsible for assisting with the client's showers and bathing, handling roughly 50% of the work.
- Assist with scrubbing/washing his back, legs, and hair, as well as drying off and dressing afterward.
- A shower chair is used.
- He tends to lean forward — ensure he stays upright and does not fall forward.
Toileting
- Fairly independent, but needs help transferring to the bathroom and standing back up.
- Always flush with the lid closed (chemotherapy splash-contamination precaution; applies during active chemotherapy and for 48 hours after the last dose).
Transferring & Mobility
- Must wear a gait belt at all times.
- Can use a walker; if weaker, should use the wheelchair instead.
Caregiver Responsibilities & Requirements —
- Before walking him within the apartment, put on his left knee/leg brace for support and stability. The brace is also used for physical therapy and walks.
- Encourage closed-toe shoes or grip socks when walking.
- Encourage a walk inside the apartment 2–3 times per day (to the front door and back).
- Lead the client through PT (physical therapy) exercises once per day, if his energy levels allow.
- Encourage frequent repositioning to reduce bed sore risk.
Grooming & Dressing
- Showering and shaving should be done every 2–3 days.
- Shaving: set up a mirror and shaver at the dining table so he can shave himself.
- Cut his nails once per week.
- Dressing: assist as needed (see also Bathing, for dressing after showers).
Personal Care — Lotion
- Apply after showers, or if he is itching or has a dry spot. He dislikes lotion, so gently encourage it when dry patches are present.
Medication
- The client takes medication once in the morning and once in the evening. If a scheduled medication time falls during the caregiver's shift, the caregiver is responsible for administering it.
- The caregiver does not need to plan, prepare, or dose the medication — only to give the already-prepared medication to the client.
- Administer the medication using a spoon mixed with a soft food such as applesauce or pudding.
5. Housekeeping: Gloves are required for any task involving soiled items during active chemotherapy and for 48 hours after the last dose (see Section 1).
- Dishwashing: After meals and as needed. Wear gloves; wash hands afterward.
- Laundry: Performed regularly as part of routine duties. Wear gloves when handling any dirty laundry or linens. Linens and clothes are washed once; during active chemotherapy periods (and the 48 hours after the last dose), run an empty cycle afterward to clean the machine.
- Bathroom cleanup: As needed and after showers.
- Bed linens: Change as needed.
- Make bed: As needed.
Caregiver Responsibilities & Requirements —
- Living areas: Clean as needed.
- Kitchen cleanup: As needed.
- Garbage: Taken out once per week. The caregiver will need to take the bins out to the curb and bring them back in. Includes trash and recycling.
6. Companionship: The client does not speak English well. The caregiver is encouraged to attempt friendly conversation. Otherwise, he enjoys watching TV and movies together as company.
- Provide periodic enrichment activities to support his wellbeing, such as walks outside or spending time in the sunroom.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
