Certified Nursing Assistant(CNA)(Permanent)
Trenton, United States | Posted on 03/13/2025
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) General Job Duties
CNAs provide essential hands-on healthcare services to patients, working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Their primary responsibilities include:
Basic Patient Care
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Help with bathing, grooming, and oral hygiene
- Assist with dressing and undressing
- Help with toileting needs and changing adult briefs
- Assist with feeding and ensuring proper hydration
- Provide skincare and pressure ulcer prevention
Mobility Assistance
- Transfer patients between bed and wheelchair, chair, or stretcher
- Assist with ambulation and proper use of walking aids
- Perform a range of motion exercises as directed
Vital Signs and Monitoring
- Measure and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure)
- Monitor and document food/fluid intake and output
- Observe and report changes in patient condition
- Check weight and height as needed
- Make beds and change linens
- Maintain clean, safe, and comfortable patient environments
- Organize and stock patient rooms with necessary supplies
- Assist in fall prevention measures
Communication and Documentation
- Document care activities and observations in medical records
- Report relevant patient information to nursing staff
- Answer call lights promptly
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team
Additional Responsibilities
- Escort patients to examinations or treatments
- Provide post-mortem care when necessary
- Participate in care planning meetings as appropriate
- Adhere to infection control protocols and safety guidelines
CNAs work in various settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare. The specific duties may vary slightly depending on the workplace setting and state regulations.
Requirements
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate
- Completion of a state-approved CNA training program (typically 4-12 weeks)
- Programs usually include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience.
- Training typically covers basic nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, infection control, and patient rights
Licensures and Certification
- Successful completion of the state competency examination (both written and practical components)
- Current, active listing on the state's nurse aide registry
- State-issued CNA certificate or license
- Certification renewal according to state requirements (typically every 1-2 years)
- Completion of continuing education hours as required by state regulations
Additional Certifications (Often Preferred)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- First Aid certification
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Capacity to lift, move, and transfer patients (typically 25-50+ pounds)
- Physical stamina for repetitive bending, stooping, and reaching
- Manual dexterity for performing patient care tasks
Other Requirements
- Background check clearance
- Drug screening
- Health assessment including TB testing and proof of immunizations
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (for home healthcare positions)
Requirements may vary by state, facility, or healthcare setting. Some employers may have additional requirements beyond these standard qualifications.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
- Dental Insurance: Preventive and basic dental care coverage
- Vision Insurance: Eye exams and eye-wear allowances
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax-advantaged medical expense savings options
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses
- Shift Differentials: Additional compensation for evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Annual Merit Increases: Regular performance-based salary adjustments
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) or 403(b) programs, often with employer matching
- Life Insurance: Basic coverage typically provided at no cost
- Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability protection
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Vacation Time: Accrued time off based on length of service
- Sick Leave: Paid time for illness and medical appointments
- Holiday Pay: Compensation for designated holidays
- Personal Days: Flexible time for personal matters
- Bereavement Leave: Paid time off following the loss of a family member
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continued education
- Career Advancement Programs: Pathways to LPN/RN or specialized roles
- Skills Training: Ongoing education and certification opportunities
- Mentorship Programs: Guidance from experienced healthcare professionals
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Assistance with required certification maintenance
- Consistent Schedule: Predictable work hours and shifts
- Familiarity: Working with the same team and patient population
- Established Relationships: Building rapport with colleagues and patients
- Job Security: Greater stability than temporary positions
- Seniority Advantages: Improved shift selection and time-off priority with tenure
Additional Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services
- Wellness Programs: Health initiatives and fitness incentives
- Employee Discounts: Reduced rates on products and services
- Recognition Programs: Rewards for outstanding performance
- Referral Bonuses: Incentives for recruiting new team members
- Uniform Allowances: Financial assistance for required work attire
- Free Parking: Complimentary on-site parking
- Team Events: Social activities and appreciation celebrations
Work-Life Balance
- Consistent Work Location: Reduced commute variability
- Predictable Schedules: Ability to plan personal life around work commitments
- Request-off Systems: Processes to accommodate important personal events
- Shift Swapping: Flexibility to trade shifts with colleagues when needed
Note: Benefits vary by employer. Full-time CNAs typically receive more comprehensive benefits than part-time positions. Benefit eligibility may include probationary periods and minimum hour requirements.