The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assists the nursing department and/or clinics with patient care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of the nursing staff in a competent and proficient manner. Assists nurses in identifying and responding to patient needs.
• Provides general aspects of care that meet psychosocial or physical needs or both simultaneously, within the nursing assistant’s scope of practice.
• Demonstrates performance reflecting the initiative and responsibility expected of a nursing assistant.
• Performs other duties as assigned, within the Nursing Assistant’s scope of practice as assigned by supervisor.
• Assists in admissions, transfers, and discharges of patients in nursing department.
• Assist nurses with patient care in clinics including measuring vitals, preparing exam room, ordering supplies, and answering calls if needed.
• Notifies appropriate licensed staff when patient complains of pain.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate to the RN any observed changes in patient status and responses. Maintains awareness of the needs of the pediatric, geriatric, and general patient population.
• Demonstrates ability to assist with feeding patients and maintaining fluid balance with technique appropriate for patient’s age and physical condition.
• Provides explanation to patient and family prior to administering care to patient; answers questions within scope of practice.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services within scope of practice.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to team leader, co-workers and physicians.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Ensures patient safety at all times by notifying nurse of any risk factors seen, initiating and maintaining appropriate safety measures. Responds appropriately and assists others in emergency situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly ensuring equipment is clean and in working order.
• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean; wears identification badge at all times.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations, and accrediting organization standards.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times; follows HIPAA regulations.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time frames.
• Attends staff meetings as scheduled.  
• Ensures that annual education is completed on time.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Adheres to all JPH policies and procedures.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.

This description is a general statement of required essential functions performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Successful completion of certified nursing assistant program.
• Minimum of six (6) months to one (1) year of related work experience.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Current CNA certification with the state of Louisiana.
• Current BLS certification required.
• ACLS and PALS preferred.

LANGUAGE and PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. 
• Strong written and verbal skills.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work alone or with minimal supervision.
• Professional/Courteous rapport with patients, families, co-workers, physicians and visitors.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to work long hours between breaks and meals, if necessary.  
• Basic computer competency.  

MACHINERY/TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot nursing call system, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, computer, and printer.