Certified Nursing Assistant

Rice Community Hospital is a rural critical access hospital dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our community. With a hospital, and two clinics, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of those we serve. Our close-knit team values collaboration, innovation, and patient-centered care, making our facility a great place to work and grow professionally.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer a generous benefits package, including 6 weeks of paid time off (PTO) for full-time employees, to ensure our team members have the flexibility to recharge and spend time with their families.

Job Summary:

The CNA performs nonprofessional direct and indirect patient care activities under the supervision of a registered professional nurse. Assists in providing high quality, cost effective care by performing delegated tasks.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in direct patient care by providing fundamental physical care to enhance patient comfort, following directives from the Registered Nurse
• Aid all assigned patients with activities of daily living in a timely manner according to their individual needs
• Ensure the neat and secure making of all assigned beds
• Obtain and accurately record assigned specimens on schedule
• Record and monitor patient vital signs, including temperatures, pulse rates, respiratory rates, blood pressures, intake and output, and weights
• Promptly observe and report any patient concerns or changes in condition to a registered nurse
• Prepare patients for examinations and diagnostic procedures according to departmental procedures
• Assist providers and registered nurses with examinations and procedures
• Contribute to the care of drainage devices while ensuring accurate output documentation
• Assist with basic rehabilitation/Physical Therapy activities, including active and passive range of motion and ambulation
• Prepare patients for meals and provide assistance during meals as needed
• Communicate with RN regarding any nutrition issues, such as poor appetite or a lack of understanding of diet changes
• Actively seek and suggest ways to improve the quality of systems related to job responsibilities
• Apply safety principles and proper body mechanics when performing personal care activities such as turning, transferring, and exercising patients
• Maintain 100% confidentiality for all information received, disclosing it only as required by the job
• Document care provided within hospital guidelines
• Assist in indirect patient care by maintaining a clean and safe environment to prevent and/or control infections and ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and employees
• Keep assigned patient care areas, staff work areas, and unit equipment clean and organized
• Ensure hallways and work areas are free of unused equipment during shifts
• Report all necessary equipment repairs to appropriate personnel
• Assist in routine unit operations as directed/needed to ensure smooth communication and functioning of the unit
• Answer telephone calls in a timely and courteous manner, identifying oneself at all times
• Respond to patient call bells courteously and relay messages to the appropriate personnel
• Relay accurate telephone, visitor, and patient messages to the appropriate persons promptly
• Complete errands as requested in a timely manner
• Maintain a professional and neat personal appearance
• Attend education, staff, and mandatory meetings
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned

Physical Requirements and Essential Functions:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with patients, patients' families, physicians, and staff
• Possess motor coordination and dexterity necessary to coordinate hands, eyes, and fingers when assisting elderly patients, administering medications, and using various instruments
• Have visual and hearing abilities sufficient to comprehend written and verbal communication, as well as to perceive changes in a patient's condition and medications
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and assist with others in lifting higher weight ranges
• Perform heavy and hard work, including activities such as lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, and walking
• Successfully provide effective team support for hospital personnel
• Ability to work with families and patients in compromised health situations
• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with peers and employees
• Demonstrates kindness, courtesy and compassion to all patients, families, providers, coworkers, and visitors at all times
• Able to handle stressful situations

Qualifications and Education:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• State registered CNA license required
• BLS (Basic Life Support) from AHA (American Heart Association) within 3 months of hire date
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in the care of the elderly

Preferred:

• One year of CNA experience in an acute care setting

This job description is not intended as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities that may be assigned and is subject to change based on the needs of the organization.