CNA/MHW FLOAT TEAM

Position Summary

The Float Team CNA/MHW provides direct and indirect patient care across Mission Community Hospital's Medical/Surgical/Telemetry and Behavioral Health Units. This role combines the responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Mental Health Worker, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to acutely ill medical patients and adult behavioral health patients.

Under the direction of Nursing Administration and the Registered Nurse in charge of the assigned unit, the Float Team CNA/MHW assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), provides basic nursing care, supports behavioral health interventions, and ensures a safe and clean environment. The Float Team CNA/MHW must adapt quickly to diverse patient populations and unit needs, demonstrating strong critical thinking, de-escalation, and communication skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care & Safety

• Provide ADLs, including bathing, grooming, toileting, ambulating, positioning, feeding, and monitoring intake/output.
• Obtain and document vital signs, pain levels, height, weight, and other observations; promptly report significant changes to the RN.
• Assist physicians and nurses with procedures and treatments within scope of practice.
• Support patients with mental health needs, employing therapeutic communication, observation, and de-escalation techniques.
• Monitor patients for safety risks, contraband, or escalating behaviors; participate in crisis intervention and restraint/seclusion per hospital policy.maintain infection control standards and universal precautions at all times.
• Directly observe patients that are at t risk of being a danger to self of others.

Teamwork & Communication

• Float between Medical/Surgical/Telemetry and Behavioral Health Units as assigned by Nursing Administration.
• Collaborate with RNs, LVNs, physicians, and interdisciplinary staff to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Participate in bedside reporting, shift huddles, and interdisciplinary rounds.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to address questions and concerns.

Environment & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Ensure equipment is in proper working order; report malfunctions promptly.
• Adhere to hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA regulations, and all applicable safety codes (e.g., Code Blue, Code Gray).
• Participate in quality and process improvement initiatives, including timely completion of risk reports and documentation.

Qualifications

Required

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of California.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or AVIP certification (or obtained within 60 days of hire).
• Fire Safety Card (or obtained within 60 days of hire).
• Minimum one year of direct patient care experience in an acute care hospital, skilled nursing facility, or behavioral health setting.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English and medical terminology.
• Physical ability to lift, transfer, and ambulate patients safely.

Preferred

• Mental Health Worker (MHW) certification/certificate
• Six months or more experience in adult behavioral health.
• Bilingual skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and patient advocacy.
• Ability to de-escalate and manage behavioral crises safely.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing unit assignments and patient needs.
• Competence in electronic health record (EHR) documentation and basic computer skills.

Working Conditions

• Variable shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, based on hospital needs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to patients with infectious diseases and behavioral health emergencies.

Mission Statement

The Float Team CNA/MHW embodies Mission Community Hospital's commitment to compassionate, high-quality, and safe patient care, serving as a vital resource to meet patient care needs across multiple units.