Certified Nursing Assistant-Dogwood Unit
About The Position
Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility that has been operating since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission-accredited hospital situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns. It is affiliated with the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and serves as a training ground for professionals from various colleges and universities in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy. Position Available: Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs) WSH is currently 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.
Benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
- Professional Skills Incentive available
- Flexible scheduling
- Choice of 11 different insurance packages, including health, dental, and vision
- Two retirement savings plans
- 24/7 security on site
- Shift and weekend differentials for select positions
- Paid sick and personal time off
- Loan repayment options for clinical positions
- State employee discount program for various products and services, including movie tickets, special events, cell phone plans, Kings Dominion, and other entertainment and travel options
- Tuition reimbursement available
- Three weeks of dedicated paid training
- Paid vacation time
- Paid life insurance
- Twelve paid holidays
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
