Certified Nursing Assistant

Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast•Moosic, PA

16d

About The Position

Provide medical or therapeutic care under the direction of nursing or clinical staff. The Certified Nursing Assistant supports patient well-being, safety, comfort, dignity, and treatment goals in a structured care environment. The role includes observing and assisting patients, documenting clinical information, communicating changes to the care team, and helping maintain clean patient rooms and unit equipment. Duties may be adjusted by management as circumstances require.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional education or training resulting in nursing assistant certification in accordance with state requirements.
Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or license, in accordance with state requirements.
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a behavioral health setting and knowledge and experience working with the facility’s patient population.
First aid, which may be required depending on state or facility.

Responsibilities

Support patient well-being and provide a positive, supportive, structured environment under the direction of a charge nurse or supervisor.
Complete assigned patient observation rounds on time, which may include rounds every 15 minutes, remaining within reach of a patient, or providing 1:1 care.
Keep patient rooms clean and uncluttered.
Assist with transferring, lifting, raising, or turning patients.
Obtain and accurately document assigned patient vital signs, height, and weight.
Identify oneself promptly to patients and visitors and respond quickly to patient requests.
Engage patients in activities and interactions that encourage progress toward treatment goals.
Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and try to understand the source of distress.
Use de-escalation techniques to help manage patient emotions, behavior, and treatment participation; assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
Monitor behavioral improvements, reinforce positive behaviors, and communicate treatment responses and changes to the team; report significant changes to the nurse immediately.
Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians, and therapists to promote physical and mental wellness.
Provide for patient comfort, dignity, and privacy; perform CNA duties such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, moving patients, and changing linens.
Transfer or transport patients, or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff, as required.
Adhere to the work schedule and attendance expectations.
Follow established patient-care policies, procedures, and standards.
Clean the 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 records.
Collaborate with staff to treat and rehabilitate the facility’s patient population.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve complaints when patient needs are not met, while prioritizing patient safety.
Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, family members, guests, and other members of the health care team.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.