Job Title: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Employment Type: Full-Time (FT) / Part-Time (PT)
Department: Nursing
Reports To: CNA Supervisor and Shift Nurse
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervises: None
Job Summary
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a vital part of the multidisciplinary care team, supporting nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff. CNAs provide direct, resident-centered care under the supervision of an LPN or RN and assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
CNAs serve as a key liaison between residents and the nursing/medical staff, ensuring consistent, safe, and high-quality care while respecting resident preferences and rights. Due to their close involvement in daily routines, CNAs are often the first to notice changes in a resident’s condition and play a critical role in early identification of potential health issues.
All care is provided within the scope of practice as outlined by Illinois State CNA training requirements.
Responsibilities & Duties
General Duties
- Champion safe, resident-centered care free from abuse and neglect.
Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Assist residents with personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, and toileting using proper techniques while honoring resident rights and preferences.
- Provide care that maintains healthy skin integrity.
- Contribute to care planning by sharing resident observations and preferences with the nurse or CNA Supervisor.
- Respond promptly and courteously to call lights and notify nursing staff when interventions are required.
- Assist residents with walking, transfers, repositioning, and use of mobility devices using proper techniques.
- Help prevent pressure injuries and maintain skin integrity.
- Transport residents to dining areas, activities, and facility events.
Vital Signs & Monitoring
- Obtain vital signs, height, and weight.
- Monitor food and fluid intake (I&O).
- Observe and report changes in condition to nursing staff.
- Monitor for skin breakdown, rashes, or wounds and document observations.
- Collect specimens such as urine, stool, and sputum as required.
- Serve meals and assist residents with eating while ensuring dietary needs are met.
Infection Control
- Follow proper hand hygiene at all times.
- Perform duties in accordance with infection prevention and safety protocols.
- Adhere to isolation precautions per CDC and facility policies.
Documentation & Reporting
- Accurately document care provided and report changes in resident condition.
- Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or violation of resident rights.
- Participate in shift reports and walking rounds to ensure continuity of care.
Emotional Support
- Provide companionship and emotional support to residents and families.
- Encourage residents to achieve their highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, and respect.
- Protect resident belongings and report missing items.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe resident rooms.
- Make beds and clean equipment after use.
Assisting with Medical & Nursing Procedures
- Assist nurses with basic medical tasks and treatments.
- Demonstrate understanding of asepsis and clean techniques.
- Assist with admissions, transfers, and discharge processes.
Supply Management
- Stock nursing, CNA, and linen supplies as needed.
Communication
- Serve as a communication link between residents and the healthcare team.
Other Duties
- Perform repetitive tasks as needed.
- Assist in precepting and mentoring new CNAs when appropriate.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions.
- Accept additional duties as assigned in a cooperative and professional manner.
- Maintain professionalism, accountability, and adherence to dress code and attendance policies.
- Safeguard resident privacy and confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.
- Remain calm during emergency situations.
- Attend required in-service trainings and departmental meetings.
Minimum Qualifications
- Active Illinois CNA certification with no disqualifying offenses.
- Current CPR certification.
- Experience in long-term care preferred.
- Ability to speak and understand English.
- Strong time-management and multitasking abilities.
- Knowledge of geriatric care and resident needs.
- Calm demeanor in emotionally charged situations.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
This position requires strength and stamina and may include:
- Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
- Lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Reading labels and hearing alarms, voices, and communication devices.
Working Conditions
- Exposure to indoor and outdoor environments.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.
- Exposure to chemical and respiratory hazards.