The Nursing Assistant to CNA program is a 3-week work-based program designed to prepare you to challenge the state CNA license exam. If you do not pass, you will need to take an official CNA course before you can retake the test. If you do not pass the exam, you may apply to several other unlicensed positions at Billings Clinic. For those who pass the exam, there are several areas and FTE options for CNAs to apply.

As a participant in the CNA Training Program, the Nursing Assistant will learn the foundational knowledge, skills, and practice necessary to challenge and successfully pass the CNA certification exam. The incumbent will apply critical thinking from the classroom and skills labs to the supervised care provided to patients in a hospital setting. Under general supervision of a licensed Nurse the incumbent will assist members of the healthcare team to meet the physical, psychosocial, educational, and spiritual needs of the patient and family. Successful completion of the CNA Training Program and passing the certification exam results in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs tasks and procedures under the clinical supervision of the RN or LPN in accordance with established policies, procedures, and protocols.

• Work with general supervision.

• Practices within scope of practice as determined by state regulations and Billings Clinic guidelines.

• Performs routine and non-complex aspects of patient care, treatments, planning, and observation.

• Activities of daily living, such as baths, oral hygiene, grooming, toileting, ambulating and turning.

• Analytical skills necessary to understand a variety of basic and/or routine problem scenarios associated with patient care.

• Refers more difficult problems to a Level I, II or III CNA, LPN, RN

• Basic laboratory specimen handling and processing (urinalysis, blood sugars, etc.).

• Reports and documents pertinent observations or data to the RN or LPN, including abnormal vital signs, changes in a patient's condition, or unusual behavior.

• Ensures complete, accurate and timely entry into patient medical record as indicated by patient need and documentation guidelines, consistent with departmental care guidelines, to include, but not limited to, activities of daily living (ADLs), vital signs, intake and output measurements, and hourly rounding.

• Work is performed independently in accordance with assigned schedules and operating procedures.

• Prioritize all aspects of job performance.

• Demonstrated personal accountability in all facets of role responsibilities.

• Participates in QI/RM activities within the department.

• Participates in the financial viability of the organization by ensuring appropriate utilization of supplies and equipment and maximizing the flow of patient care to maximize effective utilization of the nursing staff’s time.

• Adheres to Billings Clinic and facility safety standards, policies and practices. Anticipates and identifies problems and safety issues, then initiates appropriate action.

• Practices High Reliability Organizing skills and customer service techniques, and Personal Service Excellence (PSE) skills:

• Practices professional behavior.

• Demonstrates positive, supportive, and caring behaviors in communication.

• Practices good communication skills.

• Communicate clearly and effectively.

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships.

• Demonstrates collaborative, supportive, and caring behaviors in communication with patients/residents, families, visitors, and the interdisciplinary care team.

• Work effectively in a team environment.

• Function in a chaotic work environment with changing priorities as it relates to patient care needs.

• Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.

• Complexity & Difficulty:

• Professional conduct in dealing with difficult situations with co-workers, patients, families and visitors. Requires ability to deal with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

• Interpersonal skills which enable the incumbent to appropriately respond to a variety of patient/family requests and inquiries; to respond to inquiries from physicians (when appropriate or refer to LPN or RN); nursing staff; and other health care providers. Also to check for understanding, allay apprehension, and enlist cooperation of the patient.

• Participates in QI/RM activities within the department.

• Participates in the financial viability of the organization by ensuring appropriate utilization of supplies and equipment and maximizing the flow of patient care to maximize effective utilization of the nursing staff’s time.

• Responds to questions and assists with problem resolution.

• Takes responsibility for identification of own growth and development needs; meets all system and departmental educational and continuing education requirements.