CNA/Bath Aid

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Bathing & Unit Support Specialist plays a vital role in delivering safe, compassionate, and dignified care to patients on the Med/Surg and Swing Bed Unit at Clara Barton Medical Center, a critical access hospital. This position is primarily responsible for performing bathing and personal hygiene care for all assigned patients and ensuring the unit is consistently stocked with supplies necessary for quality patient care. The CNA works collaboratively under the supervision of the Registered Nurse or Charge Nurse and supports the nursing team with a wide range of patient care activities.

Bathing & Personal Hygiene Care

• Perform complete and partial bed baths, shower assists, and therapeutic baths for all assigned patients in a manner that preserves dignity and promotes comfort.

• Provide oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, skin care, and perineal care as part of routine bathing and personal hygiene routines.

• Apply moisturizers, barrier creams, and other skin care products as directed to prevent skin breakdown.

• Perform regular skin assessments during bathing and report any changes, redness, pressure injuries, or concerns to the supervising nurse promptly.

• Document bathing activities and pertinent observations in the patient chart per facility policy.

• Maintain a safe bathing environment by checking water temperature, utilizing proper equipment (shower chairs, lifts), and following fall-prevention protocols.

• Adapt bathing techniques to meet the individual needs of Med/Surg patients, post-operative patients, and swing bed residents.

Unit Stocking & Supply Management

• Conduct daily and shift-based inventory checks of patient rooms, supply rooms, and nursing station areas to identify restocking needs.

• Restock patient rooms with linens, gowns, hygiene supplies, gloves, and other personal care items on each shift.

• Maintain supply rooms, linen carts, and utility areas in a clean, organized, and fully stocked condition at all times.

• Coordinate with nursing leadership and central supply to communicate low inventory levels and place supply requests as needed.

• Rotate and organize stock per established first-in, first-out (FIFO) principles to minimize waste and ensure product integrity.

• Aid with cleaning and restocking patient rooms following discharge in preparation for new admissions.

Patient Care Assistance

• Aid patients with ambulation, transfers, and repositioning using proper body mechanics and appropriate assistive devices (gait belts, walkers, Hoyer lifts).

• Aid with feeding and hydration, including set-up of meal trays, encouragement of oral intake, and documentation of intake percentages.

• Record and report vital signs, weights, intake and output, and blood glucose readings as directed by the supervising nurse.

• Respond to patient call lights promptly and communicate patient needs to nursing staff in a timely manner.

• Aid nursing staff with two-person lifts, turning and repositioning schedules, and comfort care measures.

• Provide emotional support and companionship to patients and their families, maintaining a professional and compassionate demeanor.

• Support post-operative patients and swing bed residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) per individualized care plans.

Unit Organization & Environmental Support

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of patient rooms, hallways, nurses’ station, and common areas throughout each shift.

• Remove soiled linen, dispose of waste properly, and transport items to appropriate locations per infection control protocols.

• Aid with equipment transport, room setup, and preparation for procedures or patient transfers.

• Perform routine cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and equipment (IV poles, bedside tables, call light cords) per facility policy.

• Communicate maintenance or environmental concerns to the appropriate department in a timely manner.

General CNA Duties

• Adhere to all federal, state, and facility policies, including HIPAA, infection control, patient rights, and safety regulations applicable to critical access hospitals.

• Participate in shift handoff and provide accurate, concise verbal reports on assigned patients to oncoming staff.

• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic health record (EHR) system.

• Attend mandatory in-services, annual competency reviews, and staff meetings as scheduled.

• Maintain current CNA certification and any required continuing education per Kansas State Board of Nursing requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, or nursing leadership.

Required

• Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of Kansas in good standing.

• Current CPR/BLS certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a hospital, critical access hospital, long-term care, or swing bed environment.

• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) documentation systems.

• Familiarity with infection control practices, fall prevention protocols, and safe patient handling techniques.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and interest in advancing within the nursing field.