Required Skills & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent is mandatory
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
- 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
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
Job Description
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.
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 of the Registered Nurse Manager and the day-to-day direction of the LPN.
- 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.