CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Residents in assisted living, skilled nursing, and veterans care facilities depend on consistent, dignified personal care every single shift. That dependability belongs to the Certified Nurse Assistant. Working under the supervision and delegation of a Registered Nurse, this role owns the direct delivery of activities of daily living, restorative services, and patient observation across long-term and post-acute care settings. State CNA certification and current BLS credential are the entry conditions; the real demand is clinical judgment at the bedside, applied within clear scope-of-practice boundaries.

As the Certified Nurse Assistant, you deliver hands-on personal care, vital sign monitoring, and restorative support to residents across skilled nursing, assisted living, and community-based care environments, ensuring safety and dignity at every point of contact. You operate within an RN-supervised care team, contributing shift-end documentation, anomaly reporting, and direct coordination with licensed staff, family members, and multidisciplinary colleagues.

Career Impact: CNAs who build verified competency across restorative programs, hospice support, and geriatric care position themselves for advancement into LPN programs or lead care technician roles within institutional health systems.

Business Impact: Consistent, accurate ADL delivery and early symptom reporting by the Certified Nurse Assistant directly determine resident safety outcomes and survey compliance in licensed long-term care facilities.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to pediatric, geriatric, and hospice populations within a single career track broadens clinical scope and strengthens eligibility for state-approved CNA-to-LPN bridge pathways.

• Deliver personal care to residents including bathing, grooming, dressing, oral hygiene, and skin care within assigned shift.
• Assist residents with mobility using proper transfer techniques, mechanical lifts, and ambulation aids to prevent injury.
• Monitor and document resident intake, nourishment consumption, and fluid levels at each meal and between-meal service.
• Observe residents for changes in physical condition or behavior and report abnormal findings to the supervising RN promptly.
• Maintain accurate shift-end documentation of all care provided in paper and electronic resident records.
• Support restorative programs including range of motion exercises, bowel and bladder training, and use of assistive devices.
• Perform infection control and equipment maintenance procedures to ensure a safe environment for residents and staff.
• Coordinate with licensed nursing staff, family members, and care team members to implement individualized plans of care.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required, or equivalent work experience in a direct care setting.
• One or more years of CNA or patient care experience, with direct exposure to geriatric, skilled nursing, or residential care populations.
• Current, active, and unrestricted state Certified Nurse Aide certification required, with no limitations incompatible with the practice setting.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required and must be maintained through periodic renewal.
• Knowledge of infection control principles, resident safety procedures, and proper body mechanics for transfers and lifts.
• Ability to maintain accurate written and electronic documentation of care activities and resident observations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with residents, family members, and multidisciplinary care team members.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push a minimum of 200 pounds, and stand or walk for extended periods. 

• Experience in hospice, pediatric skilled nursing, or restorative care programs within a licensed facility.
• Completion of a state-accredited Home Health Aide or Nurse Aide training program beyond the minimum certification requirement.
• Familiarity with geriatric care needs including chronic health condition management and cognitive support for elderly residents.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and rotating shifts across care settings.

• Shift documentation completion rate, reflecting accuracy and timeliness of resident care records each shift.
• Incident and anomaly report volume, measuring frequency of observed changes escalated to the supervising RN.
• Transfer and mobility assist safety record, tracking incidents related to lifting and ambulation support.
• Resident hygiene and personal care audit scores, reflecting adherence to assigned care plans per shift.
• Restorative program participation rate, measuring resident engagement in assigned range of motion and ambulation activities.

• Base Salary Range: $32,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on setting and state
• Bonus: Shift differentials common for evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard in institutional settings
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year, increasing with tenure
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, CNA-to-LPN tuition assistance, and uniform allowance

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Because this role involves direct care of vulnerable populations, employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check and, where required by state law, a drug screening. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to the start of employment.

The Certified Nurse Assistant owns direct patient care delivery within an extended care living center, implementing plans of care across all stages while applying principles of asepsis to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. Working alongside RNs, nursing assistants, and the broader health care team, this role shapes care standards in alignment with the purpose, philosophy, and objectives of nursing.

Key Responsibilities

• Functions as an integral member of the extended care team.
• Interface with patients, physicians, and family members in an extended care living center setting.
• Implement the plan of care demonstrating knowledge of the responsibilities of the RN and NA for all stages of care.
• Work in partnership with the health care team in implementing standards of care in accordance with the purpose, philosophy, and objectives of nursing.
• Supervise care given and services rendered in the community living center and hospice by other professional and non-professional staff.
• Maintain equipment applying principles of asepsis, therapeutic and technical knowledge to ensure a safe environment.
• Provide family and patient teaching.

Required Qualifications

• Have a minimum of 2 years recent experience.
• Current, full, active and unrestricted licensure as a nursing assistant in a State, Territory.
• Must have completed an accredited training course in nursing through the State of California.
• Currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times.

Embedded within a patient care environment, the Certified Nurse Assistant delivers foundational clinical support including medication administration, equipment sterilization, and patient transport under the direction of nursing staff. Working closely with care teams and patients directly, this role builds therapeutic rapport and maintains the safe, clean conditions that support positive patient outcomes.

Core Functions

• Provide patient care under direction of nursing staff.
• Administer prescribed medications to patients.
• Sterilize and prepare medical tools and equipment.
• Assist in the transport of patients.
• Provide companionship and basic care to patients.
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience in nursing, patient care, or other related fields.
• Ability to build rapport with patients.
• Compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Ability to work well in teams.

Reporting to nursing leadership, the Certified Nurse Assistant provides direct resident care within an Assisted Living community, spanning activities of daily living, restorative programs, and therapeutic activities. Partnering with the care team and families, this role ensures maximum quality of life for residents by upholding privacy, promoting independence, and supporting safe mobility and nutrition.

Primary Duties

• Assure the maximum quality of life for all residents by maintaining privacy, accommodating individual preference, and promoting independence.
• Assist residents in and out of bed and chair/wheelchair using proper transfer techniques, including use of mechanical lift when required.
• Assist residents in bathing, personal grooming, dressing, and hygiene as assigned.
• Remove soiled bedding and replace with clean linens as needed.
• Assist residents in using the bathroom and provide perineal care, including bedpans, urinal catheter bags, and bedside commodes.
• Assist residents to dining area or provide in-room meals, document intake of nourishment, and serve between-meal nourishment.
• Maintain cleanliness and condition of resident suites by reporting housekeeping and maintenance needs.
• Maintain all work and service areas in clean and orderly condition.
• Assist in maintaining resident charts and document assistance provided at the end of each shift.
• Attend training courses and participate in professional development activities as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Nurse Assistant Certification required.
• One year of experience working as a Certified Nurse Assistant including medical/surgical or home care experience.
• Awareness of the needs of geriatric residents.
• Ability to calculate figures related to amounts such as percentages and area.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and proficiently with people of all ages while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to read and write English and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Provide basic nursing skills within level of competency as delegated by a licensed nurse, including hygiene, physical cares, intake/nutrition, ambulation/exercise, infection control, and safety.
• Assist with tracheostomy and GT stoma cares, GT feed administration, and light meal preparation.
• Assist teachers and staff with client activities including music, computer work, and play therapy.
• Work collaboratively with child care staff to meet developmental and academic needs of the child.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks including toy cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing.
• Accompany children on field trips and outdoor play as needed.
• Provide basic restorative services including assistive devices for ambulation, range of motion exercises, and bowel and bladder training.
• Clean equipment and supplies after use and report deficiencies or unsafe equipment to the RN immediately.
• Assure confidentiality of all patient and family information.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current WI Nursing Assistant License without limitations incompatible with duties, responsibilities, or practice setting required.
• CPR certification required within 90 days of employment start date and must be maintained through periodic renewal.
• Has successfully completed a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, or hospice aide instructional program and competency evaluation program.
• Must complete required competencies within first 90 days including specimen collection, suctioning, vital signs, respiratory equipment, child development, and skin health.
• Experience with pediatric special needs clients preferred.
• Ability to render care to patients by following RN instruction in care giving according to an established plan of care.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and families while being sensitive to emotional, social, psychological, cultural, ethnic, and religious values.

A key member of a managed care team, the Certified Nurse Assistant leads telephonic outreach to enroll members into programs, complete assessments, and develop individualized care plans with patient and family input. Collaborating across LPNs, RNs, physicians, and non-clinical support, this role advances cost-effective, population health outcomes for members with chronic or complex psychosocial needs.

Functions

• Manage targeted population daily through telephonic outreach and program enrollment.
• Provide a complete continuum of quality care through close communication with members and providers via phone.
• Complete assessments and address identified barriers to compliance across the continuum.
• Develop care plans and interventions with patient and family input.
• Interact in a collegial and collaborative fashion with care team including LPNs, RNs, physicians, and non-clinical support.
• Support members with condition education, medication reviews, and connections to resources.
• Promote cost-effective health care with aligned health system networks.
• Prioritize and organize own work to meet agreed-upon deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current, unrestricted CNA State licensure in CA required.
• 3 years of clinical experience as a CNA in a hospital, acute care, primary care clinic, or home health setting required.
• Managed care experience preferred.
• Case management and prior telephonic experience preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations who have chronic or complex psychosocial needs preferred.
• Computer and typing proficiency to enter and retrieve data in electronic clinical records, with experience using email, internet research, and online calendars.
• 2 years of customer service experience required.
• Respectful of and sensitive to cultural, ethnic, and religious healthcare needs and practices.
• Strong customer service, active listening, and collaboration skills.

Consistent participant outcomes depend on the Certified Nurse Assistant, who performs basic and complex nursing procedures accurately and safely under RN supervision while escorting participants to appointments and maintaining precise paper and electronic documentation. Based within a structured care program, this role serves as a reliable point of communication for participants, family members, and clinical personnel across the continuum.

Accountabilities

• Perform responsibilities accurately, timely, and safely for assigned participants.
• Communicate and inform appropriate personnel, participants, and family members of pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate paper and electronic documentation.
• Utilize equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Perform basic nursing care, simple and complex procedures, multiple treatments, and waived testing under the supervision of an RN when indicated.
• Escort assigned participants on appointments.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Successful completion of a Nursing Assistant training course as evidenced by passing the CNA exam required.
• One year of nurse tech hospital experience or skilled nursing facility experience required.
• One year of experience working with the frail or elderly required.
• Knowledge of and care for elderly with chronic health care conditions.
• Computer experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Ability to lift and turn participants.

As the Certified Nurse Assistant, this role delivers non-skilled home care services under Registered Nurse supervision, enabling clients to remain safely in their homes through personal care, companionship, housekeeping, and restorative support. The agency relies on this work to uphold infection control standards, maintain accurate records, and ensure each client receives dignified, individualized care aligned with agency policy.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Provide companionship including talking, listening, reading aloud, and offering social and emotional support.
• Assist with meal planning, preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, running errands, and organizing incoming mail.
• Assist with personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, nail and skin care, foot care, oral hygiene, and back care.
• Assist with ambulation, transfers, range of motion exercises, and safe use of equipment and assistive devices.
• Assist with toileting, use of bedpan, commode, or urinal, and provide incontinent care.
• Provide transportation to doctor's appointments and other destinations.
• Maintain appropriate agency records and adhere to infection control and safety procedures.

Background and Experience

• One year minimum of continuous experience as a Home Health Aide or Nurse Aide in a health care environment.
• Completion of a State-accredited Home Health Aide or Nurse Aide training program.
• Satisfactory compliance with agency bonding criteria.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with clients, families, coworkers, and all supervisors.
• Ability to accurately follow and process written and verbal instructions.

Certified Nurse Assistant supports day-to-day resident care and household activities at the South Dakota Veterans Home, performing personal hygiene assistance, symptom observation, and accurate data entry in a residential care environment. The work directly supports the well-being of veteran residents by maintaining safety, cleanliness, and respectful communication across all interactions.

Job Functions

• Communicate information clearly and concisely and record numerical and alphabetical data accurately.
• Observe, recognize, and report abnormal physical symptoms to appropriate personnel.
• Assist residents with personal care and hygiene needs.
• Follow established policies and procedures and apply instructions accurately.
• Use a computer and applicable data entry programs for resident documentation.
• Lift up to 50 pounds as required by physical care duties.

Technical Qualifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain a South Dakota Certified Nurse Aide certification within four months of hire date.
• Must possess or be able to obtain serve-safe certification and successfully complete dining assist training.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic human hygiene requirements, resident safety procedures, and procedures for documenting resident care.
• Knowledge of arithmetic sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Basic computer operation and software use required.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with others.

The Certified Nurse Assistant delivers home care visits as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary health care team, providing activities of daily living support including bathing, grooming, vital sign checks, and medication assistance for clients in their homes. Working closely with the broader care team, this role produces safe, consistent home health outcomes and enables clients to access the medical care required to remain at home.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide home care visits and serve as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary health care team.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, toileting, and nail care.
• Perform vital sign checks including temperature, pulse, and respiration.
• Assist with range of motion exercises, transfers, and use of mechanical lifting devices.
• Assist with ambulation, oral feeding, and medication assistance.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks including laundry, meal preparation, and bed making.

Education and Experience

• Have at least one year of work experience as a Home Health Aide.
• Have completed a recognized Home Health Aide training course and be certified to work as a Home Health Aide.
• Pass the BAYADA Competency Evaluation Examination.
• Criminal background check required.
• Demonstrate ability to read, write, and effectively communicate in English.

Embedded within a neuro-cognitive treatment clinic, the Certified Nurse Assistant administers EEGs, neuro-cognitive surveys, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation under provider guidance while managing patient scheduling and documentation in the electronic medical record system. Working closely with providers, lead supervisors, and clinical staff, this role refines patient flow and ensures continuity of care across weekly treatment cycles.

Scope of Work

• Assign and administer neuro-cognitive surveys to patients.
• Perform electroencephalogram (EEG) and document assessment, EEG, and treatment notes into the electronic medical record system.
• Administer personalized, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation under the guidance of a provider or lead clinic supervisor.
• Provide patient education on best practice guidelines.
• Schedule weekly treatment, EEG, and provider appointments.
• Communicate effectively with providers and staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Manage patient flow in a fast-paced environment and perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma required, Certified Nurse Aide certification or higher required, college degree preferred.
• 3 years of experience in customer service and 1 year of experience in office administration preferred.
• Proficient at navigating technology and electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to build and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Action-oriented, quick learner with the ability to multi-task and cultivate innovation.