TCU CNA

About the Role:

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Transitional Care Unit plays a critical role in providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients transitioning from acute hospital settings to lower levels of care or home environments. This position focuses on supporting patients' recovery by assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. The CNA collaborates closely with nursing staff, therapists, and physicians to implement individualized care plans that promote patient independence and well-being. Through attentive observation and timely communication, the CNA helps identify changes in patient conditions, contributing to effective care adjustments. Ultimately, this role is essential in facilitating smooth transitions, reducing readmission rates, and enhancing overall patient outcomes within the transitional care setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification recognized in the United States.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic life support (BLS) certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Demonstrated ability to perform physical tasks required for patient care, including lifting and transferring patients safely.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a healthcare team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a transitional care, rehabilitation, or long-term care setting.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and documentation standards.
• Additional certifications such as CPR or specialized training in geriatric or post-acute care.
• Demonstrated skills in patient advocacy and family education.
• Ability to speak a second language relevant to the patient population served.

Responsibilities:

• Assist patients with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding as needed.
• Monitor and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, reporting any abnormalities to nursing staff promptly.
• Support patient mobility and rehabilitation efforts by assisting with transfers, ambulation, and exercises under the guidance of nursing or therapy staff.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols and safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to provide updates on patient status and respond to patient needs.
• Document care provided accurately and timely in patient records to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Assist with meal preparation and feeding, ensuring dietary restrictions and preferences are respected.
• Respond promptly to patient call lights and requests, demonstrating empathy and professionalism at all times.

Skills:

The CNA utilizes strong interpersonal and communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with patients and their families, ensuring their comfort and understanding of care processes. Attention to detail and observational skills are critical for accurately monitoring patient conditions and reporting changes to the nursing team. Physical stamina and manual dexterity are essential for safely assisting patients with mobility and personal care tasks. Familiarity with healthcare documentation and electronic health records supports precise and timely recording of patient information, which is vital for coordinated care. Additionally, problem-solving and teamwork skills enable the CNA to respond effectively to patient needs and collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to optimize patient outcomes.