The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Mental Health Technician (MHT) is a member of the nursing staff who facilitates quality patient care.

The CNA or MHT supports the licensed nursing staff to ensure the needs of the patients are met by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the CNA’s or MHT's training and experience.

The CNA or MHT provides direct patient care to assigned patients, ensuring that patients' activities of daily living are performed. They are primarily responsible for the day-to-day custodial care of the patients. The CNA or MHT assists with providing a therapeutic, safe environment for the patients.

The CNA or MHT utilizes basic knowledge of nursing skills and communicates the medical and emotional needs of the patients to the licensed nursing staff. The CNA or MHT is the visible presence of the nursing staff on the unit and is readily available to the patients for day-to-day needs. In addition, they perform assigned duties and interventions as directed by the licensed nurse to fulfill the prescribed orders of the medical staff.

The CNA or MHT communicates observations of the patients to the licensed nursing staff. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the overall day-to-day functioning of the program, including aiding other staff in patient chart production, providing meals, answering telephones, and supervising patients during staff break periods.