Nursing Assistant, Certified, Long Term Care (LTC)

Sanford Health•Howard, SD

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant (NA) serves as a caregiver to residents during scheduled work periods in long-term care. Under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), the NA provides resident-centered nursing care and assistance with daily living, following the care plan and addressing residents’ age-appropriate physical and psychological needs. The role is part of the nursing team and requires following infection prevention and control policies, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment. The NA helps residents with personal care and daily activities, mobility and exercises, meals, and other needs. The role includes documenting care and communicating changes in a resident’s condition to the charge nurse. The NA may assist providers and nursing staff with procedures, collect non-invasive specimens and vital signs, help maintain residents’ living areas, and support wellness and recreational programs.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Required CNA certification with the State Board of Nursing, or state certification within four months of starting through enrollment in a training program or the process of obtaining certification by endorsement.
Satisfactorily complete annual department-specific competency testing.
Maintain a record of continuing education credits, with at least 12 hours of continuing education required annually.
Maintain all department-specific required certifications.
When applicable in the relevant state, be certified and registered with the Unlicensed Assistive Person (UAP) Registry.
If classified as a Sanford Category II Driver based on facility and responsibilities, provide a motor vehicle report and proof of a valid driver’s license, and be medically qualified to perform the essential driving functions under Sanford’s Driving Policy when requested by leadership.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with basic health care needs and daily living activities, including bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing and undressing, obtaining and recording vital signs, psychosocial support, and other personal care.
Assist residents with transferring, repositioning, and walking using appropriate techniques and equipment, and provide range-of-motion and passive exercises.
Complete food preparation and dining tasks, help residents with meals and snacks, provide water and supplements as appropriate, and support a positive dining experience.
Assist providers and nursing staff members with procedures as needed.
Document resident interactions and outcomes related to care, behavior, activity, and diet as needed.
Communicate residents’ changing conditions and care-related concerns or responses to the charge nurse.
Collect non-invasive body fluid specimens and gather vital signs.
Provide housekeeping and laundry services to help keep residents’ living areas clean and operational.
Assist with and document wellness and recreational programs, and encourage residents to participate.
Follow infection prevention and control policies and use personal protective equipment appropriately.
May participate in departmental or organizational committees and task forces as needed.