Nursing Assistant-BERT

Brown University Health; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union: International Brotherhood Team-

Job summary

Brown University Health seeks a CNA–BERT to provide high-quality patient care and serve as a primary responder for Code BERT activations. You will support patients and staff with early intervention, de-escalation, and crisis management in a hospital setting.

Under RN supervision, you will perform general CNA duties and participate in BERT-specific responses, aiming to maintain a safe environment. Strong de-escalation and restraint training are required.

Qualifications

• Current Rhode Island or Massachusetts CNA certification.
• Facility-approved de-escalation and restraint education, or obtained within 3 months of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• BLS certification required.
• Demonstrated basic computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and activities of daily living.
• Perform duties in accordance with state regulatory standards.
• Assist with mobility and rehabilitation activities as appropriate.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and remove unsafe equipment.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition, behavior, and safety concerns.
• Accurately and timely document care in the electronic health record.
• Follow infection prevention and safety protocols and may function as a patient observer when assigned.
• Respond to Code BERT activations initiated by any staff member.
• Utilize verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques aligned with hospital protocols.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary BERT team.
• Assist in identifying and mitigating environmental risk factors contributing to escalation.
• Recognize when escalation to Code Gray is required and communicate to the team.
• Participate in post-event debriefs and restoration of a safe care environment.
• Maintain ongoing competency in facility approved restraint and seclusion training.
• Provide care across the lifespan with cultural sensitivity.

Skills

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

De-escalation techniques

BERT protocol

Electronic Health Records

BLS certification

Education

CNA certification RI/MA

Tools

EHR system

Job description

Summary

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and within hospital and department policies and procedures, the CNA–BERT provides high-quality patient care and support and serves as a designated responder for Code Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) activations, supporting patients and staff during escalating behavioral events through early intervention, de-escalation, and crisis management.

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and within hospital and department policies and procedures, the CNA–BERT provides high-quality patient care and support and serves as a designated responder for Code Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) activations, supporting patients and staff during escalating behavioral events through early intervention, de-escalation, and crisis management.

Definition

A CNA–BERT is a Certified Nursing Assistant trained in behavioral crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. This role functions as both a nursing assistant and a primary responder during Code BERT activations, supporting safe, coordinated behavioral response efforts.

Responsibilities

General CNA Duties

• Provide personal care and activities of daily living
• Perform duties in accordance with state regulatory standards
• Assist with mobility and rehabilitation activities as appropriate
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and remove unsafe equipment
• Observe and report changes in patient condition, behavior, and safety concerns
• Accurately and timely document care in the electronic health record
• Follow infection prevention and safety protocols and may function as a patient observer when assigned

BERT-Specific Duties

• Respond to Code BERT activations initiated by any staff member
• Utilize verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques aligned with hospital protocols
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary BERT team
• Assist in identifying and mitigating environmental risk factors contributing to escalation
• Recognize when escalation to Code Gray is required and communicate to the team
• Participate in post-event debriefs and restoration of a safe care environment
• Maintain ongoing competency in facility approved restraint and seclusion training
• Provide care across the lifespan with cultural sensitivity

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Rhode Island or Massachusetts certification as a Nursing Assistant
• Certification in facility approved de-escalation and restraint education, or obtained within 3 months of hire
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• BLS certification required
• Demonstrated basic computer proficiency

Working Enviornment

Works in acute care and behavioral health settings. Requires prolonged standing, walking, and response to unpredictable patient behaviors and behavioral crises, including physical intervention consistent with de-escalation and restraint training protocols.

Independent Action

Works under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team during BERT activations. Exercises judgment within scope and seeks guidance for complex situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Pay Range

$24.36-$24.84

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

7a-7p

Work Shift

Day

Driving Required

No

Union

International Brotherhood Teamsters