Certified Nursing Assistant-Dogwood Unit

DHRM•Staunton, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility seeking Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs) to provide direct patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment for specific patient populations in our 24/7 psychiatric hospital on our Dogwood Unit for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. CNAs will follow care and treatment policies and procedures while demonstrating knowledge of population-specific needs and competencies under the guidance of licensed nursing staff. The role involves delivering recovery-oriented care in a hospital setting while maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.

Requirements

Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff
Ability to effectively communicate with staff and psychiatric patients
Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement
Able to follow instructions and report observations/behaviors of psychiatric patients to licensed staff in a timely manner by describing observations verbally, in written, or electronically
Able to learn and demonstrate knowledge of recovery/trauma informed care
Ability to appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations
Able to learn skills in providing direction and assistance to psychiatric patients in activities of daily living
Willing to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders along with human behavior, age-specific needs, and personality development
Willing to learn basic treatment measures to promote mental health appropriate to the adult, developmentally disabled or impaired, and/or geriatric populations
Vision and hearing adequate to recognize and respond to hazardous situation and ensure safety at facility
Ability to work effectively with staff in a team approach
Ability to perform infection prevention and control practices and appropriately apply standards in daily activities
Ability to perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching over to position/restrain/transfer/transport and/or escort individuals, and provide assistance with activities of daily living
Ability to work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24 hour 7 day per week psychiatric hospital which at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary
Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints
Complete and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association
Has basic computer skills
If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing

Nice To Haves

Bilingual
Veteran or veteran spouse

Responsibilities

Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Provide one-on-one direct observations.
Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.
Ability to administer CPR and perform TOVA approved physical interventions.
Serve meals and maintain cleanliness in patient areas.
Ensure accountability within a safe and therapeutic environment.
Foster healthy interpersonal interactions in adult acute admissions, geriatric units, and extended rehabilitation service units.
Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well-being, and other relevant situations.
Document and communicate observations effectively.
Employ specialized training to promote mental wellness recovery.
Escort patients to the learning center for various classes, external & internal medical appointments.