Nursing Assistant-BERT

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 34,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Hospital is seeking a CNA-BERT to provide high-quality patient care and to serve as a designated responder for Code Behavioral Emergency Response Team activations. The role supports patients and staff during escalating behavioral events through early intervention, de-escalation, and crisis management.

The position works in acute care and behavioral health settings, requiring standing, walking, and responsive intervention to behavioral crises.

Qualifications

• Current Rhode Island or Massachusetts Nursing Assistant certification.
• BLS certification required; de-escalation/restraint training or obtained within 3 months of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; basic computer proficiency demonstrated.

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.
• Document care accurately in the electronic health record.
• Follow infection prevention and safety protocols; may function as a patient observer.
• Respond to Code BERT activations; use de-escalation techniques per hospital protocol.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary BERT team; identify environmental risks contributing to escalation.
• Recognize escalation to Code Gray and communicate with team.
• Participate in post-event debriefs and restoration of safe care environment.
• Maintain competency in restraint and seclusion training; provide care across lifespan with cultural sensitivity.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Education

Rhode Island/Massachusetts Nursing Assistant certification

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS certification

De-escalation/restraint training (or within 3 months of hire)

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.

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 ENVIRONMENT

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

Pay Range: $24.36-$24.84

CANDIDATE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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

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

WORK TYPE

Work Type: 7a-7p

WORK SHIFT

Work Shift: Day

DRIVING REQUIRED

Driving Required: No

UNION

Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters

ABOUT US

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day.

Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation's first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state's largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.

Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve.

We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.

Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself.

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