Certified Nursing Assistant

Crestwyn Behavioral Health•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Certified Nursing Assistant provides medical or therapeutic care under the direction of nursing or clinical staff. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure the well-being and safety of patients by maintaining a positive, supportive, and structured environment. Key responsibilities include completing patient observation rounds, ensuring patient rooms are clean, assisting with patient transfers and personal care, and engaging with patients to encourage the achievement of treatment goals. The CNA is also expected to respond to distressed patients using de-escalation techniques, monitor behavioral improvements, reinforce skills learned from other healthcare professionals, and document clinical information accurately. This role requires adherence to work schedules, established patient care policies, and effective communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required.
Additional education or training which results in certification as nursing assistant per state requirements required.
Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or license, per state requirements.
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in behavioral health setting knowledge and experience working with the population of the facility preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure the well being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment, under direction of charge nurse or supervisor.
Complete patient observation rounds timely. Observation may be assigned every 15 minutes, within reach of patient and/or 1:1 patient care.
Ensure patient rooms are clean and uncluttered.
Assist with transferring, lifting, raising or turning patients.
Obtain patient’s vital signs, height and weight as assigned and ensure accurate documentation.
Identify self to patient and visitors promptly and respond to patient requests quickly.
Engage with patient in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of distress.
Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient’s emotions, behavior and participation in treatment and assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
Monitor behavioral improvements and reinforce these behaviors. Report changes and responses to treatment by communicating with team. Significant changes are reported to nurse immediately.
Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians and therapist that promote improved physical and mental wellness.
Insure comfort, dignity, privacy and perform related CNA duties such as feed, bath, dress, groom, move patients or change linens.
Provide transfer or transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member, as required.
Adherence to work schedule and overall attendance.
Follow established policies, procedures and standards for patient care.
Clean unit as assigned by professional staff, including equipment such as, beds, IV poles and wheelchairs.
Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient medical record.
Collaborate with other staff in working with the population of the facility to treat and rehabilitate.
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Communicate clearly and effectively to patients, family members, guests and other members of the health care team.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.